Hastings Library

Situated in 13 Claremont, The Brassey Institute is a lovely example of decorative Venetian Gothic architecture.  Designed by Walter Liberty Vernon for Thomas Brassey during his period as MP for Hastings, it as built in 1878.

The building originally housed a reference library on the ground floor, an assembly room on the first floor and a school of art and science on the uppers floor.  Accommodation for the Hastings Rowing Club was provided in the basement and there was also a suite of rooms for the proprietor.

Lord Brassey opened a free public library in the Institute in 1881, and donated ownership of the whole building, along with a School of Art to Hastings Council in 1887.

The Brassey Institute was awarded Grade II listed building status in 1987.

The building is still used as the Hastings Public Library today that has undergone a major revamp.

The interior of the library, has been completely refurbished with new furniture, more computers, free Wi-Fi and improved toilet facilities.  The project has not only created a modern library which will serve generations to come, but has protected and enhanced the history and heritage of the town by renovating this Grade II-listed building.   The work has created a modern and vibrant library in a historic and architecturally beautiful building.

The improvements have enabled the Children's Library to be transferred, into the Brassey Institute.  The library will host a range of children's activities including Code Clubs, Rhyme Time and Story Time while adults can join IT For You to develop computer skills or ask for help in a Computer Buddy session.  In addition to offering books, the library holds a range of reference information for study of the area, as well as DVDs, health and wellbeing resources.

The public computers provide free access to the internet, training courses, online reference materials, research programs for family history.