After months of building work, the new children’s library in Exeter is now open to the public. The Clore Children's Library features a brand-new sensory area, a floating mezzanine and activities for older children. Designed to be welcoming and accessible to all children and families, and championing interests, passions and their imaginations.
The new dedicated sensory space aims to support children with ADHD, autism, and sensory processing disorders. Created in collaboration with specialists Aurora, part of the Osborne Technologies group. The space features a lift to ensure all children and their carers can fully experience the benefits of all the zones.
The impressive transformation is thanks to funding from the Clore Duffield Foundation. The design of new children's library was informed by local young people. Libraries Unlimited consulted children in secondary schools and in the library to advise the build with their imaginations, ideas, and thoughts.
Alex Kittow, Chief Executive, Libraries Unlimited, said: “The numbers of children across the UK engaging in libraries and reading for pleasure are dropping at a worrying rate. We wanted to use this generous funding as an opportunity to build a space that would truly engage and excite children. By consulting with young people on this we feel they have helped us create something truly unique for the city. Families have already been flooding in and enjoying the new library and we are very hopeful about the positive impact of this space.
The ambitious project was undertaken by Libraries Unlimited, the charity commissioned by Devon County Council to operate the libraries in Devon. Exeter Library, the largest of the 50 libraries commissioned by Devon County Council is a vital community hub, welcoming half a million visitors annually. It currently hosts over 750 events annually, attended by more than 26,600 individuals, including 11,500 children. Additionally, 6,100 child members borrow approximately 93,900 books annually. The children’s library plays a key role in encouraging literacy, learning, and social engagement. Plus free events like storytimes, homework clubs, coding clubs and other literacy programs help children from low-income families access learning opportunities outside of school. The aim of the new children’s library is to reach even more children across the city.
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