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New library welcomes minister

The £1.1m refurbishment of Moss Side Powerhouse Library, in Manchester, has been celebrated with a visit by culture secretary Ben Bradshaw MP.

The new library has moved to a bigger, ground floor space with new computers, furniture and stock.

Young library users, aged between eight and 25, played a big role in the project by taking part in marketing groups and consultation sessions with designers, architects and library staff.

The redesigned and relocated library received the million pound funding from the Big Lottery Community Libraries fund.

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 Fund and the MLA.

Efforts have been made to make the new library smarter, safer and more high-tech with areas to study, relax with friends and listen to music.

It includes a fast broadband service for safe surfing and wireless internet access. Security has also improved with better facilities for homework and study and more books, quiet corners and comfortable seats.

Manchester City Council is one of the participating authorities in the Fulfilling their Potential transformational programme in the north west. The programme aims to improve library services for teenagers and harness joint working between library staff, youth services and young people so that the voices of the young are more clearly heard in the development programme.

September 2009