A Staffordshire village now has a brand new £1.1m library which aims to be the community hub of the area.
It replaces the original building, built in 1961, which was felt no longer served the needs of the public or delivered a modern day library and information service.
Services within the new building now include activities for all ages, free computer and internet access and meeting rooms available for booking.
There will also be drop-in and outreach services from agencies such as the Children’s Information Service, Citizens Advice Bureau, Community and Voluntary Service, health services and the police.
The centre will be managed as a partnership between Staffordshire Library Service and the Norton Canes Community Partnership (NCCP) to ensure that local knowledge continues to be instrumental in the future of the services provided.
NCCP also worked with Staffordshire, prior to completion, consulting locally about what was needed for the village with household surveys, forums and feasibility studies.
A total of 58 libraries across England will receive a share of £80m, as part of the Community Libraries programme, thanks to a joint partnership between the Big Lottery Fund and the MLA.
October 2009