Opening date for new library and adult education centre in Folkestone confirmed

Folkestone Library and Community Learning Centre is preparing to open its doors to the public at a new location next month.  

Work started in January to transform 14 Sandgate Road into the hub bringing back the full range of library, registration and archive services to the town centre for the first time in three years, alongside classrooms and learning spaces for adult education.

As work progresses, KCC have confirmed the building will officially open on Tuesday 26 May 2026.

The centre will bring together learning, culture and essential services under one roof. Facilities will include:

• Adult and children’s library, including the local history collection
• Accessible areas for reading, study and community events
• Digital facilities, including free public Wi‑Fi and computers
• A town-centre location for birth and death registration appointments
• Modern classrooms and teaching spaces for adult learning courses 

The temporary library currently within the Shepway Youth Hub building in Grace Hill will close on Saturday 2 May 2026 to allow for this part of the service to be moved to the new location. This is all part of the preparation works needed to get Folkestone Library and Community Learning Centre ready for opening day.

Kent County Councillor Tim Prater commented:

“Central Folkestone has been without a library for too long. When KCC then terminated their lease on The Cube in Tontine Street, where Adult Education was based, last year that made it even worse.

"I'm clearly delighted to see a new location for those services in the short term, although have real reservations on the location long term. I look forward to seeing it open in May”.