The garden has been designed with local community partners as a space for people of all ages to read, relax, explore their senses, and meet other residents.
It has been made possible thanks to a donation in memory of Roy Huse, who was a West Sussex librarian from 1970 to 1992.
Russell Allen, Head of Libraries and Heritage, said: “We are incredibly grateful for the legacy donation made in memory of Roy, whose dedication to libraries and communities in West Sussex continues to have a lasting impact.
“Created through collaboration, generosity and shared ideas, the garden offers a new way for people to connect with their library — and provides a flexible space that we hope will support future partnerships, activities and opportunities that benefit the community.”
The week of free community events and activities runs from Tuesday 26 May to Saturday 30 May and will include:
• sunflower seed pack giveaway, encouraging families to grow their own at home (available while stocks last)
• SEND Storytime, a relaxed and sensory‑friendly session on Wednesday 27 May, 10.30am to noon
• reminiscence session using the garden as a gentle space for memory sharing on Friday 29 May, 10am to 11am
• Family Celebration Day, bringing communities together for stories, craft activities, a VR experience, Lego building, garden games and outdoor fun on Saturday 30 May, 9.30am to 12.30pm.
A full list of activities at the library during the week can be found here.
