*Newmilns Library will be closed today 30/3 and tomorrow 31/3 due to lack of available staff.
*The South Mobile service will be operating on the regular schedule from a transit van whilst the mobile library is undergoing repair.
We apologise for any inconvenience.
A Warm Welcome
A warm welcome awaits you at our venues in the heart of every community!
You can already visit our venues and take part in a wide range of free activities and since December 2022, we have been complementing these existing services by offering spaces where local residents can pull up a chair, have a chat with the staff or share some family time with our selection of board games, colouring-in and activities. Need to charge mobile phones and devices? No problem with our new charging stations which will be free for anyone to use.
If you’re looking for some practical information on how to access help with bills or heating, we can point you in the right direction. East Ayrshire Council's website also has a wealth of advice, support and resources to help with the cost of living crisis.
Warm hubs have been set up in the following venues during normal opening hours:
Annick Valley: Rose Reilly Sports Centre & Stewarton Area Centre
Crosshouse: Crosshouse Library
Irvine Valley: Newmilns Library (in Morton Hall) , Galston Library & Darvel Town Hall
Ballochmyle: Burns House Museum in Mauchline & Auchinleck Boswell Centre Library
Cumnock: Cumnock Library
Kilmarnock North: Danny Coffey Suite, North West Area Centre
Open Wednesdays & Thursdays from 8am-10pm excluding the dates noted below where opening times vary
Thurs 9 Feb – from 1pm
Wed 15 March - 9am-12.30pm
Thurs 16 March – from 1pm
Wed 22 March – from 1pm
Kilmarnock East: Treehouse Centre at Dean Castle Country Park & The Dick Institute - pull up a chair, charge your device or settle down with a board game or activity
In partnership with local community groups and organisations and East Ayrshire Council, there will also be warm hub spaces in a range of other community venues across East Ayrshire as well as Community Cafes, Foodbanks and other support services.
Click here to view the list of these community warm hubs as a PDF or here to view them on East Ayrshire Council's website
What free activities can you take part in across East Ayrshire Leisure venues?
At Your Local Library
Drop into your local library and sign up for a free membership, which also allows you to access thousands of free e-books, audiobooks and emagazines. You can use PC’s, photocopy, take advantage of free wi-fi or find out more about book groups and Bookbug sessions for little ones!
In Our Museums & Galleries
Our museum and gallery spaces are packed with amazing collections and artefacts and there is a regularly changing programme of exhibitions. Our dual exhibition dedicated to the illustrations of Quentin Blake are on display at the Dick Institute & Baird Institute until Jan 2023.
Free Activities for 10-14yrs
Sign the kids up for an Active Club Membership and they can access a wide range of free sessions at our leisure centres including swimming, footie kick-abouts and basketball.
Staying Active for Free
Workout at Home with us! You can build your own fitness programme or pick from a range of pre-designed workouts
East Ayrshire has a wealth of local path networks. Take a walk or cycle in the local area to discover some of Ayrshire’s most spectacular scenery and see what local wildlife you can spot
Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to contribute to your local area, learn new skills and socialise. We have a range of volunteering opportunities across East Ayrshire including our Friends of the Dean Volunteer programme. Find out more about volunteering opportunities here