Cheering crowd as new library opens

King's Lynn's new library welcomes its first visitors on New Conduit Street

There’s a countdown of 3,2,1 - the ribbon is cut, the gathered crowd cheers - and then the new library doors are opened and people are invited inside.

I chat to 10 year old Pheobe, who’s in the dedicated children’s area, where there’s even a slide, “I think it’s even better than I thought it would be, and I’m going to really enjoy coming here.”

Rebecca, who’s here with her toddler Theodore (who’s too busy playing to chat), tells me, “He thinks it’s amazing, there are tables, toys, lots of books - I love it, I think it’s really good.”

10 year old Pheobe

It’s 5 years since the initial idea to convert the old Argos store on New Conduit Street, and staff reassure me it’s been worth the wait.

The space spans over 3 floors - everything from flexible event spaces, a training kitchen, a business library and a space where the town's historical documents will be displayed.

Kerry Murray, excited for the opening

“There’s something for everyone,” says Kerry Murray, who looks after libraries across Norfolk, although she will miss the old building.

“I started my career as the library manager at the Carnegie Building, so it’s got a special place in my heart.

“But then I’m just so excited about what we are going to be able to offer in this building. We’ve got so much space to do so much for the community.”

It ended up costing 17 million, 2 million over budget. Partly funded by the Town Deal regeneration fund and partly by Norfolk County Council. 

MP James Wild, who's taking in the new space, says, “A modern, accessible library right in the heart of the town will inspire young people, create new opportunities for learning and skills, display more books, and give residents more reason to come into the town centre.”

Outside I chat to project manager Verity Bennett, who’s been involved from the beginning.

“It has come in over budget, but I think we’ve done well considering there’s been the pandemic," Verity says, "And there have been extra costs, levelling the pavements outside for example.

"I think we could have cut corners, we could have taken things out, like the training kitchen, but we wanted to deliver something that was right for King’s Lynn.”

I overhear a few people say they're not keen on what it looks like, but most are impressed.  

Peter, one of the first through the doors saying, "What a fantastic space, fantastic building, it's going to be a great space for King's Lynn."

And Mum, Tina, stops to add, "We just love books, and we think it'll be more than just a library - it’s somewhere where people can come and be together.”

Music to the ears of those involved in the build I'm sure.

All images Ian Burt