Published Tue 1 July 2025
Thanks to funding from Arts Council England’s Place Partnership fund, Creative Folkestone is launching something bold and exciting. It’s called Folkestone is a Library. This ambitious new project will turn the whole town into a living library. Streets, schools, shops and parks will all become places to read, write and share stories.
This idea is part of our long-term commitment to transform Folkestone through creativity. While the public library is closed, Folkestone is a Library will lead the way in keeping our town full of books, ideas and imagination. Our partner in the project are Kent County Council, Folkestone Libraries, The Turner Schools Group, the Alliance of Folkestone Residents Association, Sunflower House, Save Our Library Campaign and Folkestone and Hythe District Council.
A Community of Storytellers
Over the next three years, Folkestone is a Library will work closely with schools, community groups and local organisations. Together, we will create something called the FolkeStories. This will be a collection of voices, histories and dreams written by the people of Folkestone.
Children, young people and underrepresented communities will be at the heart of the project. Everyone will be encouraged to tell their stories, whether by writing, drawing, performing or speaking. This is an open invitation to be part of something meaningful and joyful.
A Yearly Celebration
Every year, the project will end with a town-wide celebration. These public exhibitions will show off the creativity of our community. They are a chance to shine a light on the excellence of local voices and talent. These joyful moments will help us move step-by-step towards a big gift – a new, community-written work that we will give to the library when it reopens.
Making Reading Visible
Folkestone is a Library shows that books and stories are not just found on shelves. With visual design by Kent-based artist Bob & Roberta Smith, the project proudly shows that reading can happen anywhere. From a bus stop to a beach, stories are always with us. This is how leadership looks in Folkestone – creating culture with everyone, everywhere.
What Folkestone is a Library Leaves Behind
Folkestone is a Library is more than a project. It’s a new way of thinking. It’s a way to transform our town through stories. It builds friendships, encourages learning, and celebrates our shared voice. It is a model that could inspire other places too.
Together, we will grow a town of readers and writers. Together, we will show the power of creativity. Together, we will lead with ambition.
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