The brand new £2 million Shepherd’s Bush Library has been officially opened by Jeremy Paxman at London’s biggest shopping centre.
Situated at the heart of Westfield Shopping Centre the library has been entirely built and fitted out by the centre’s owners at their own expense.
The Newsnight presenter gave an impassioned speech at the opening ceremony of the library, which is just across the road from BBC Television Centre.
Jeremy Paxman said: “I’m thrilled to open a new library at a time when so many supposed clever-clogs are predicting their end. It’s fantastic to have something like this in this part of town. A world without access to information and ideas is a world without light.”
Jeremy was joined by five-year-old Benjamin Chang, who borrowed 306 books from the old Shepherd’s Bush Library in the last year.
Work Zone
Among the features of the two-floor library are more than 10,000 books available to borrow, 25 computers for public use, a children’s space, a teenage area with computer games, music mixing software and chill-out zone, floorwalking staff to help customers find what they need and meeting and exhibition spaces.
In addition there is a Work Zone facility where Hammersmith & Fulham Council has joined with Job Centre Plus and Ealing Hammersmith & West London College to provide a dedicated recruitment and retention service for local retailers and employers to fill job vacancies.
The Work Zone can provide guidance on job interview techniques and specific work training, such as food hygiene certification, which is needed to work in many restaurants in the area. Financial help with initial childcare costs can also be provided for local residents who find a job.
The library was built at no cost to the local taxpayer as part of the negotiations for community benefits – under a Section 106 planning agreement - when planning consent for the shopping centre was granted.
Andrew Holden Director of MLA London said: “The local authority and Westfield deserve many congratulations for delivering such an impressive new library service.
“With the current economic climate affecting regeneration projects, it is wonderful to see a shining example of a developer recognising the importance of culture. The Work Zone ensures that the library is seen as contributing to employment and skills, as well as offering a first class service of books and information with excellent use of technology.”
September 2009