Breightmet Library, in Bolton, is proving to be just what the doctor ordered thanks to a novel partnership with local health services.
The new library has opened as an extension to Breightmet Health Centre, in a joint project with Bolton Council and NHS Bolton.
The purpose-built facility is central to the Breightmet community and while the two services share the same building, each has been given its own identity.
The library was built courtesy of a £1.1 million Big Lottery grant as part of the Community Libraries Programme and replaces the old Breightmet Library which was situated half a mile away.
Visitors to the library can enjoy light, colourful and modern surroundings with state-of-the-art facilities, such as computers and plasma screens. There are also study and meeting areas so members of the community can sit down, relax and read or learn new skills.
The layout and colour scheme was designed with the help of existing and potential library users, and a local disability group was consulted on the open plan space.
Being located on a dual site means there are plenty of opportunities for joint working on health projects and the sharing of health-related information.
Library users can save time and make their visit to the doctor more pleasurable by picking up a good read on all the same visit.
October 2009