Poet Benjamin Zephaniah took part in the opening ceremonies of Mowbray Gardens Library, Rotherham following its £1.1m refurbishment.
The new library, thanks to a grant from the Big Lottery Fund, is twice the size of the previous one with more convenient opening times and a range of new facilities to suit different users.
Its interior has been split into three main zones, one for children and young people, one for adults and one for families or people in a hurry as it includes shelves with the most regularly borrowed books on offer.
There are also double the number of computers, which are spread around the library, a community room and two plasma screen TVs available for presentations, to show short films and for gaming.
To make life a little easier there is a self-service machine for the return or borrowing of books using your library card.
Outside there is improved parking and secure bike racks, CCTV, comprehensive external lighting and landscaping.
In total 58 libraries across England will receive a share of £80m, as part of the Community Libraries programme, thanks to a joint partnership between the Fund and the MLA.
Community involvement
Laura Bell engagement manager for libraries said: “The library has been developed with local residents from the very start. Their opinions have been extremely important in helping us form the design and content of the library. As a consequence it means it feels like a modern bookshop and internet café, with a relaxing, vibrant atmosphere and design.
“However our relationship with the local community is far from over and we’ll continue to listen to their ideas regarding the library to ensure there is something on offer for everybody.”
One of the ways that Rotherham council has kept the community informed about the progress of the library refurbishment has been through photographic updates on the internet.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rotherhamlibraries/
July 2009