BIG’s Community Libraries programme has funded the transformation of the libraries which, together with traditional library services, will enable services such as learning centres, One Stop Shops, Credit Union’s and space for community activities, all under one roof.
The first of the new wave of community libraries, the new Newbold Verdon Library on the outskirts of Leicester, opens on Friday, 3 April 2009, following a £781,402 Big Lottery Fund award to Leicestershire County Council. A complete rebuild, the new library now has the additional capability to provide a computer suite, advice services and from next summer, a reading garden, to the local community.
Sanjay Dighe, Chair of the Big Lottery Fund England Committee, said:
“The opening of the first BIG funded library couldn’t have come at a better time. These new and improved libraries are equipped to offer a range of services beyond their traditional role, including education, training, and employment and financial advice, all vital to local communities, particularly at this time of financial uncertainty.
“Libraries sit at the heart of our communities so are ideally placed to host a range of important local services. The Newbold Verdon building is a shining example for the other libraries to follow.”
Ernie White, Leicestershire’s Cabinet member for Community Services, said: “I’m delighted that, thanks to the Big Lottery Fund, we can open this state-of-the-art library and community venue for Newbold Verdon and its surrounding villages.”
In October 2007, BIG’s Community Libraries programme awarded local library authorities between £250,000 and £2 million to renovate, extend or build new facilities that offer a broader range of activities to their communities. The programme is creating new, modern community spaces offering services and activities to put libraries at the centre of community life.
Roy Clare, MLA Chief Executive, said:
“I’m delighted to see that the partnership between the MLA and the Big Lottery Fund has led to the successful opening of Newbold Verdon library. Leicestershire library service has really engaged with the consumer and the community to offer, alongside book borrowing and other resources, a new library with even greater opportunities for learning, training and advice. We would like to see these approaches copied by more library services around the country and we look forward to many more BIG funded community libraries like this opening in the near future.”
Using their additional space, the Lottery funded libraries will offer more learning opportunities and activities to attract groups and individuals who may not have used the buildings in the past. Reading groups, writing groups, language classes, family learning activities, art and museum exhibitions, cultural activities, drama, information seminars and health initiatives are just some of the activities that the new or improved libraries will offer.
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