Improving your libraries
A new library for King Cross
Calderdale Libraries, Museums & Arts has successfully gained funding from the BIG Lottery Community Libraries Fund|
to build a new library in the heart of the King Cross area, at a cost of approx. £1.3 million.
The award From BIG Lottery Fund will be added to £500,000 already allocated to the redevelopment of King Cross Library project by Calderdale Council.
The site for the new library will be close to the current library on King Cross Road, and will be laid out across two floors with a light and open feel, thanks to the use of glass windows to two sides.
A key feature will be a garden area for reading, listening and reflection and also, in fair weather, an informal general learning space with features around health and well-being.
An important focus of the construction and management of the building will be to follow sustainable principles.
We've already asked residents what services they would like to see in the new library - and the Library Service will continue to work with residents and community groups to create an exceptional library space that will reflect the needs of the area, and also provide a community hub: a shared space in which people can come together and be involved in its development and evolution.
As well as the traditional library services, activities planned for the new space include:
- The lending library itself will include books, DVDs, talking books, with shelving that can be rolled away to offer extended space for other activities
- Children's area and activities
- Space for exhibitions from and about the local community
- A meeting space available for community use (for both formal and informal sessions)
- Advice sessions and surgeries on health and other key issues
- Reader's groups
- Sessions to help people learn English as a second language
- Space and seating for quiet reading, reference items, newspapers
- Practical sessions to help use computers to e-mail and shop online
- WiFi access
- Self -issue and return of books
- Contemplation and prayer room
- A TeenZone
- Toilet facilities / baby changing facilities
- CCTV.
The aim is a creative and innovative space that is attractive to all members of the community. We will be working with Park Initiative and the local voluntary and community sectors to ensure a wide variety of services.
Further events will be held in the community during 2009 to find out people's views of both the building and what will be happening inside it. We want to ensure that it is a facility which will not only meet the needs of existing library users but will also draw in those who may not currently use a library.
Watch this space for more details!
- Work to start:
- March 2009
- Completion due:
- Early 2010
- Contacts:
- Jon Medcalf (Central Area Manager)
e-mail jon.medcalf@calderdale.gov.uk, telephone 01422 392628
Suzanne Allott (Project and Community Engagement Manager)
e-mail suzanne.allott@calderdale.gov.uk, telephone 0782 454 1201.
Town Hall, Crossley Street, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX1 1UJ
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