A new community library opened its doors today in
Weston-super-Mare.
The new library opened for business at 10am on Tuesday 30 June
at the For All Healthy Living Centre, in Lonsdale Avenue.
Funded by a grant of £815,000 from the Big Lottery Fund (from
the Big Lottery Community Libraries initiative) the project is a
partnership between North Somerset Council and For All Healthy
Living Company.
It has seen the former courtyard garden at the HLC transformed
into a library with a light and airy modern design. The new library
has a stock of around 5,000 books, including fiction, non-fiction,
large print and audio books; a new collection of music CDs and DVDs
and a CD listening post; there are areas for young people, parents
and children, and a quiet area for reading and relaxing; new
self-service technology as well as familiar, friendly staff; and
the number of public-access computers has gone up from two to
10.
Council Connect services will be on hand with information on
North Somerset Council services and answers to council enquiries.
Staff can also take bookings for the Playhouse and 'Weston wheel'
and help people to apply for such things as Diamond Travelcards and
leisure keys.
The library was opened by local people who are members of the
steering group which led the consultation for the design and layout
of the library and a grand opening is to follow in September.
Local resident and member of the steering group Tom Marshall,
said: "One of the nicest features (of the Healthy Living Centre) is
the library which is run by excellent staff who are courteous and
helpful. Only problem is that it was not very big but then with
Lottery funding it was suggested let's expand it. What a brilliant
idea. So thanks to some sterling work, the new library took hold
and work progressed.
"On Tuesday 30 June our new library opens its doors to the
residents of our own area. Along with other facilities, this new
and most welcome addition will enhance the community. I cannot wait
for the opening day and using this new library."
Executive member with responsibility for libraries, Cllr
Felicity Baker, added: "The Healthy Living Centre is a well-used
and appreciated community building. The expanded and improved
library can only add to its success. The council and the HLC have
worked closely with the community to ensure that their views about
what they wanted have been listened to."
The For All Healthy Living Company is a not-for- profit
organisation which aims to sustain and develop the well-being of
people in south ward, Weston. It is run by an independent board
consisting of five partner agencies and six local residents. It
uniquely encompasses a GP surgery, community hall and café, a
combined Anglican and Methodist church, a children's centre,
meeting and training spaces as well as the
library.
