New Quentin Blake artwork unveiled in Hastings Library

Following a multi-million pound revamp, Hastings Library re-opened on 2 March 2018 and unveiled a striking new artwork by Sir Quentin Blake.  His work adorns the Children’s Library, which relocated to the Brassey Institute from its former home in Robertson Passage, as part of the major project.  

The 12-foot-long cloth hanging depicts the town’s historic Stade and other local scenes, with young readers suspended in mid-air engrossed in their books. Cllr Bill Bentley, lead member for community services, said: “We are extremely grateful to Sir Quentin Blake for kindly donating the artwork to our new, modern library. It’s a wonderful backdrop which I hope will fuel a love of reading among young people in the town.”

Speaking about the frieze, Sir Quentin Blake said: “I am deeply convinced of the importance of young people reading: they can be guided to valuable books, but it is also a way of their pursuing their own explanations, and creating their own education.  We can say, metaphysically, that books allow them to fly, which is why I drew [the figures] actually flying ... and happily that could be over Hastings fishing beach, so we know where we are.”   

Hastings Library reopened following the project which has seen the historic building at the heart of the town protected and enhanced. A new roof and lift were installed, the building was rewired and all lighting was replaced before the addition of new furniture, more computers and improved toilet facilities and the introduction of free WiFi.   The library will host a range of children’s activities including Code Clubs, Rhyme time and Storytime, while adults can join IT For You to develop computer skills or ask for help in a Computer Buddy session. In addition to offering a range of books to borrow, the library will hold a range of reference information for study of the local area, as well as DVDs and health and well-being resources. The public computers provide free access to the internet, training courses, online reference materials, research programs for family history. Learning services will now operate from their own dedicated computer suite on the second floor, providing opportunities to improve literacy, numeracy and computer skills. 

Visit East Sussex County Council's website for further details about Hastings Library opening times and facilities.