Sevenoaks library, built in the mid 1980s, was in need of modernisation; the museum had poor visitor numbers and was in danger of being deregistered. Arts and Heritage Consultant Timothy Mason’s KCC commissioned report ‘Shaking the Kaleidoscope’ proposed a beacon library service, working cross domain, making the best use of the building but extending its work through creative partnerships Completed in December 2006, the extended and radically remodelled Sevenoaks Kaleidoscope museum, library and gallery is a dynamic and inspirational venue which engages the local community; providing: - A regional art gallery and museum to government indemnity standards (including temperature and humidity controls for a Class A gallery) capable of borrowing from national collections. Moveable partitions between gallery and museum enable flexibility in event programming. - A café / flexible learning space next to the gallery and museum expands the range of programmable activities for school groups and workshops. - A museum workshop accessible to the public for hands-on conservation workshops. - Bespoke furniture and displays integrating books, artefacts and art. - Specially commissioned ‘permanent’ public artworks from 5 artists involving installations, audio, multi-media, photography and lighting incorporated into the space. The Sevenoaks Kaleidoscope is the first library building nationally to successfully receive Heritage Lottery Funding on the basis of the innovative programming and design proposals, rather than on the merit of the existing building or collection.