Silksworth Library, situated within a community development that includes housing for the over 55s, has opened its doors for the first time.
Thanks to a partnership between Sunderland City Council, who contributed £2m, Housing 21 and the developers Frank Haslam Milan, the new library is just one of the facilities available to residents at Beckwith Mews.
As well as 40 two-bedroom apartments there is a café, hairdressing salon, communal lounge and landscaped gardens.
The apartments are available for outright sale or shared ownership with wheelchair access and easy access shower rooms. There is also a full time court manager and 24-hour care and support services available.
Users of the new library can now join up to reading and study support groups while families can enjoy children’s story time sessions and free activities.
The staff are trained to give advice on a range of other council services including housing and council tax benefit and welfare rights. There will also be a chance for users to get advice and help with job interviews and CV writing and job applications.
Jane Hall, Assistant Head of Culture and Tourism said: “We hope that Silksworth’s new community library will become a focal point in the local community, providing the residents in Beckwith Mews with a world of knowledge on their doorstep.”
May 2009