A greatly expanded library, complete with public access computers, is now available to library users in Weston-super-Mare thanks to an £800,000 grant from the Big Lottery Fund.
In partnership with North Somerset Council, the For All Healthy Living Company (FAHLC) has created a light and airy library by adding a glass roof to the former inner courtyard of the centre.
The former library used to operate from the foyer of the centre and expansion has enabled it to increase the number of loans including books and CDs to more than 5,500, plus 10 public access computers.
The new library sits at the heart of a thriving community building which also provides a GP practice, a community cafe, a church, community hall, children's centre and meeting and training rooms.
Community consultation was a key part of the lottery fund award and a group of local people was involved in the project from the beginning. They visited other libraries and met to discuss their wish list for the new library.
FAHLC is a third sector, social enterprise based in an area with high social and economic deprivation in Weston-super-Mare. Through local consultation a partnership of local residents and agencies came together to create a community building. They were able to attract a range of funding and the centre was opened two years ago.
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.
June 2009