Folkestone’s new library and adult education hub has opened its doors at 14 Sandgate Road, bringing key council services back to the town centre for the first time in three years. The facility, which began welcoming visitors on Tuesday 26 May 2026, combines book borrowing, free computers and public Wi-Fi with dedicated classrooms aimed at helping residents build new skills and find employment. A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the launch, with officials highlighting the council’s investment in a bright, modern space designed to serve the whole community.
Inside the centre, visitors will find a full range of library services alongside registration facilities for births and deaths, as well as local history resources. The adult education classrooms have been designed to support learners in a supportive environment, with courses intended to boost confidence and open up new opportunities. The return to a town centre site follows a three-year gap without a central library, making this the first new location of its kind in many years.
Deputy council leader Brian Collins said the opening demonstrated a commitment to modern, accessible services that meet residents’ needs. Chris Burwash, deputy cabinet member for community and regulatory services, described libraries as the heart of communities and said it was wonderful to see such a welcoming space now open in Folkestone. The education and skills cabinet member Beverley Fordham added that the adult education facilities would make a real difference for local learners, helping them gain skills in an inspiring setting.
The new centre is run by Kent County Council and is now open to the public, offering a single town centre location for reading, learning and accessing essential services. More details about opening times and activities are available on the council’s website.
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