The Bench of Belonging
Created by: Peter Gladwin Primary School
Location: Portslade Library
Our bench celebrates friendship, togetherness and the wonderful idea that we are stronger when we belong together. Inspired by The Paper Dolls, the children created their own colourful paper people, each one unique and full of personality. Together, their creations bring the bench to life, showing that although we are all different, there is a special place for everyone.
The children’s figures sit, stand and play alongside one another, creating a joyful community where nobody is left out. The bench represents the friendships we make, the stories we share and the memories we create together. It is a place to pause, sit beside someone, start a conversation and imagine new adventures.
Our bench reminds us that friendship can connect us, and that when we come together, we can create something truly special.
Opening times
Monday – 09:00 – 19:00 Libraries Extra *
Tuesday 09:00 – 17:00
Wednesday – 09:00 – 17:00
Thursday – 09:00 – 19:00 Libraries Extra
Friday – 09:00 – 17:00
Saturday – 09:30 – 17:00
Sunday – 11:00 – 17:00 Libraries Extra
* Libraries Extra is only open to Brighton & Hove Library Card holders who have upgraded their card to Libraries Extra. More information about Libraries Extra can be found by clicking this link.
Accessibility
Accessing the sculpture
The sculpture will be situated in Portslade Library. The entrance to the library is just off Victoria Park Gardens via car, and off Old Shoreham Road for the front pedestrian entrance. Please note that this front entrance has stairs leading down to the library itself.
Old Shoreham Road is a busy road. The pavements are wide but you will need to cross the road at pedestrian crossing points.
Public transport
Buses: The nearest available routes will be the 2, 2B, 6, 46 from Benfield Way and Romany Close.
Trains: Local trains are available from Portslade station. The station has partial step-free acess. This is a 700-metre distance away and around a 10-minute journey.
Bikes: The nearest Beryl Bay to the sculpture will be Portslade Station.
There is a covered cycle rack outside the Community Hub.
What to expect from the location
Noise Levels – 4/10.
Portslade Library is generally quiet, but the road outside is very busy and can be noisy. Noise from nearby traffic, including sirens and horns, may also be quite loud in this area.
Parking
The nearest parking is to the left of the building.
The nearest Blue Badge parking bay is also in the small car park to the left. Alternatively, you can use a Blue Badge on single or double yellow lines for up to three hours as long as no loading restrictions are in force.
Facilities
The nearest public toilets will be within Portslade Library.
The nearest changing place will be at Rockwater on Hove Seafront. This is around 2.8km away and around a 40-minute pedestrian journey, so we recommend using local bus services to access this Changing place toilet.
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