A celebration event has been held at Kenilworth Library following a major refurbishment that started last year.

Warwickshire County Council announced in 2021 that the library would be having its first refurbishment since 2005 with a new layout, new furnishing, shelving and carpet.

And following the completion of the works earlier this month a launch day was held on Friday, October 7 during National Libraries Week.

The event started with children's entertainer Sohan Kailey demonstrating a Bhangra Tots session in the Children's library area.

Guests also toured the library to see the changes first-hand, followed by speeches from Cllr Andy Jenns, Sir Jeremy Wright MP, Monica Fogarty, chief executive of WCC, and David Kelham, the High Sherriff of Warwickshire.

The occasion concluded with the cutting of a celebratory cake, followed by Warwickshire's Young Poet Laureate for 2021-22, Daniel Wade, delivering two poems much to the delight of attendees.

Cllr Andy Jenns, portfolio holder for customer and transformation, said: "Kenilworth Library was becoming tired and dated, so we wanted to reconfigure and update the space for modern library use. We now have a larger lighter library space and can offer more activities for children and adults whilst delivering a better service for our customers.

"Libraries are an important space to discover and enjoy books, and there is nothing we love more than to encourage a love of reading at our branches. However, the library is also a cornerstone of the community where we help people to develop new skills, take part in activities and access vital services. 

"Just as libraries need books, they also need people, and so I encourage everyone across the county to make the most of your local library, to enjoy it and find out more about what we have on offer.

"Good libraries build services and collections, and great libraries build communities, which I know Kenilworth does with its incredible partners and volunteers and is at the heart of the community."