The new Shoeburyness Library was opened in September 2015. Located on the first floor of the existing Shoeburyness Youth & Community Centre, this new multi-functional facility is accessible to people of all ages and includes an interactive and social area to encourage younger readers. This project is a result of the merger of the Thorpedene and Friars Libraries; the new library has longer opening hours, more books and is bigger than the existing facilities it replaces. Our design objective was to ensure the new library looked a part of the SYC building; as though it’s always been there, not added in afterwards. Hence we were careful to embrace many of the features of the original building and adapt them to suit the new use. Integrating the new library into the existing SYC building offers the local community a greater choice of facilities in one ‘hub’. Liberal Democrat Councillor Graham Longely stated that “The New Library offers something for everyone, is easily accessible and centrally located”.