Suffolk Libraries is the charity which runs the county’s library service.

2022 marks ten years since Suffolk Libraries was launched and the third Suffolk Libraries Day takes place on Saturday 12 March.

Suffolk Libraries Day is the charity’s major annual fundraiser and a chance to celebrate everything that libraries like Newmarket offer their local community.

An online book festival and live music gig have already been announced and libraries across Suffolk will be hosting special events.

Like all of Suffolk’s 44 libraries, Newmarket Library offers a range of services and activities to people of all ages including Family Fun Time, Wordplay sessions for early years, Top Time for older people, Knit and Natter and new EPIC Dad sessions.

Since Suffolk Libraries was launched, the services the county’s libraries offer have expanded to have a huge impact on people’s wellbeing by directly responding to the needs of local communities. This was the case during the early days of the pandemic.

Although libraries had to close for a time, library staff still found imaginative ways to reach out and connect with people. This included running story time sessions online and making regular calls to customers who staff felt were most likely to become lonely or isolated and less able to engage with online services.

Bruce Leeke, Suffolk Libraries Chief Executive, said:

“Suffolk Libraries aims to make life better for people every day. We know we can do even more for communities across the county, by continuing to address key issues like health inequality and social isolation. Ultimately everything we do is geared towards keeping people happy, healthy, and together.”

“People don’t always realise we’re a charity but there are few voluntary organisations that have such huge reach and impact, which is why we need support to continue our work at the heart of communities. The pandemic has had a significant impact on our regular income, so we really need people to support Suffolk Libraries Day this year and, in the process, allow us to continue to help tens of thousands across the county.”

Look out for more information about Suffolk Libraries Day and what Newmarket Library is planning nearer the time. You can find out how to show your support for Suffolk Libraries at https://www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/support-us

The Suffolk Libraries Day book festival involves a series of top online author talks during the week before Suffolk Libraries Day including Sarah Vaughan, William Shaw, Joy Ellis, T.M.Logan, Matthew Harffy and Joanne Harris.  Tickets are free but with an option to make a voluntary donation. For full details visitwww.suffolklibraries.co.uk/sld-festival

There is also a fantastic rock ‘n’ roll live music gig lined at Ipswich Library on the evening of 12 March with JS & the Lockerbillies and The Phil Jackson Rock 'N' Roll Band. For booking details visit www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/sld-gig