A new chapter opens in life of West Bridgford library
WEST Bridgford Library is opening its doors again on Saturday, March 16, with a new, modern look.
The building has been rebuilt over that last 15 months on the site of the old town library, with the historic front of the building in Central Avenue preserved.
-
Inside the new West Bridgford library
A total of 20,000 new books have been ordered for the new building, which features 32 public computers, a children's area, as well as a youth club and community rooms available for hire.
But the last few weeks have been hard for library staff, who have been given the task of re-arranging around 2,600 boxes filled with 40,000 books.
Get 10% off your GAP insurance with ALA.co.uk using the promotional code LW10
Contact: 01653 916304
Valid until: Wednesday, June 18 2014
"Everyone is very excited about the opening," said principal librarian Fiona Littlewood.
"It is a bit like moving house, but we do it every day for several weeks."
Ms Littlewood has already led similar projects after the revamp of Worksop and Mansfield libraries.
"It's been hard work, but everyone has worked together very well," she said.
"Once the books are in the right shelves, we have to re-arrange them again to make sure they're in the right order, by each book's individual code.
"But we all really enjoy it."
Area librarian Hilary Strasburger said: "A lot of work has gone into this project with the help of hundreds of people, if you include all the different contractors who were involved."
"I think hundreds of people will storm the library next Friday," Mrs Strasburger said. "There has been a lot of interest already. Everyone wants to see what it looks like."
County Councillor John Cottee, cabinet member for culture and community, said he was confident the new, modern library would appeal to a whole range of young people.
"I think this library will become the heart of this community.
"And reading is a very important skill to have and very useful because it requires your brain to work more than if you were, say, watching TV.
"Books are still key. It doesn't matter about the modern technology. There's nothing like having a good book in your hands."
Following next week's opening, leading poet Roger McGough will visit the newly-refurbished library from 7.30pm on April 16.
Have a look at our sneak preview gallery of pictures inside the new library here.
Comments