Oadby library, which officially opened in early February, is the latest to benefit from Leicestershire County Council’s £8 million investment plans for its library service.
The £1 million library, stays open until 8pm from Monday to Thursday and includes wireless internet access, an area for teenagers and CD listening posts. Since it opened in November the library has attracted 1,000 new members continuing the whole county’s library success story - visitor numbers have increased by 25% in the last five years.
Quality services
MLA Chief Executive Roy Clare attended the opening along with Minister for Culture Barbara Follett.
Roy Clare said: “I have had a preview of Oadby library and my impression is that it will be a hugely successful community library in a busy high street location. The concept is engaging, open, friendly and there really is something there for everyone.
“This approach reflects the considerable care that Leicestershire library service is taking to deliver high quality services in the way that local people want, especially in a time of recession. I offer my warm congratulations on their work and on this important opening.”
A welcoming look
Barbara Follett explained that she came on the suggestion of Roy Clare because the Government is conducting a library review.
“I know as a member of the public, as well as a member of the Government, that when Governments say review, you think it means cut. Actually, in this case, it really doesn’t. I want the people of this country, who all pay for their library service, to get a service as good as you are getting in Oadby.
“What’s so good about it? Many libraries don’t have that opening, welcoming look. They have a closed look, that if you’re not really used to books and bureaucracy, can make you think, I’m not going in there, it doesn’t look welcoming. We have to make things more clear and more accessible and you have done it brilliantly at Oadby.
“Your library is customer focussed and it’s about people. It’s the staff, as well as the people here. Congratulations to Leicestershire and all of you who have been involved in this. I would like to declare this wonderful library officially open.”
To download a video of the offical opening of the library, click this link.
Oadby library opened its doors in March to Alan Gibbons, of Campaign for the Book, who held a seminar on reading with schoolchildren from Leicestershire schools. Watch the video of that day’s activities here.
February 4, 2009