Refurbishment of Barnsley Central Library

MAJOR refurbishment work is due to take place at the Central Library in Shambles Street, Barnsley, which will result in improvements to the service.

The changes will create a fresh and exciting interior for users to relax and study in, and a more comfortable environment as a result of the new heating and ventilation system.

Following the work, the Central Library will have an improved working environment for both customers and staff, enhanced ICT facilities, self-service facilities using RFID (radio frequency identification), additional opening hours on Thursdays and a new range of books.

Access for the disabled will be improved with the replacement of the lift, additional disabled toilet and an automatic door. The improved layouts will offer better access to the stock and services and provide new facilities for new and existing users to explore.

The work is part of an improvement plan for Barnsley's Library Service aiming to deliver a high quality, customer-focused service in buildings which meet the needs of the community.

The work is scheduled to start in August and the Central Library will close at 4pm on Saturday, 12 August for a four-month period. The new style Central Library will re-open its doors on Monday, 8 January 2007.

Cllr Linda Burgess, Cabinet Spokesperson for Education commented: "This is a major investment by the council in our Central Library and will result in much improved facilities and services for users.

"The refurbishment is an exciting and much-needed development in line with our commitment to improve access to learning and library facilities for all Barnsley residents."

Wide scale information and publicity will be circulated to users advising them of the services available during the closure period, and plans will be on display at the Central Library and other venues shortly.

Arrangements have been made for items currently out on loan to be returned to any library, mobile library or resource centre in Barnsley. There will also be special drop-off points at the Town Hall reception and Cooper Gallery in Church Street. No fines will be charged for the closure period, and the public are welcome to keep items until January if they wish.

Users can also borrow items from any library or mobile library in the borough and special arrangements have been made for the duration of the closure for the Home Delivery Service to be extended to the elderly or those with mobility issues who are unable to travel to another building.

Users of the Central Library's ICT equipment will also be able to make use of facilities at both branch libraries and resource centres. Enquiries for information will be handled by library staff based at Goldthorpe, or can be made using the People's Network Enquire Service accessible from the libraries' pages on www.barnsley.gov.uk

Full information on how to access library services during the closure will be distributed to users and user groups.



ENDS

Issued by Kevin Smith, Press Office, Tel: (01226) 773442
Email: kevinsmith@barnsley.gov.uk