Construction work was due to begin on a £300,000 library refurbishment project early this week.
The refurbishment of Longton Library, in Stoke-on-Trent, comes following a successful bid for funding from Arts Council England’s Library Improvement Fund.
Work will take place in three phases until early 2024 and include:
- Creating a bright and welcoming children area, spaces for partners and groups to meet and study and WIFI areas.
- The whole of the library will be redecorated and all the lights will be replaced with a modern and more energy efficient design
- Internal and external signage will be updated and the traditional library counter will be removed to create a more open and welcoming space.
Meanwhile, Stoke-on-Trent City Council has confirmed other significant works at Stoke Library will start in 2024, as well as the installation of WiFi printing across all the city’s six library sites and self-release printing at City Central, Longton, Stoke and Tunstall libraries.
Council Leader Councillor Jane Ashworth said: “This is an exciting time for our library members and regular visitors.
“Following the recent relocation of Bentilee Library and the soon-to-be opened City Central Library at Two Smithfield, we are continuing to make our libraries more visible and accessible for readers of all abilities as well as opening the doors wider for community activities in these spaces.
“The refurbishment of Longton Library will be completed in three phases across a five-month period, so we ask visitors to bear with us and to expect some temporary disruptions but we will keep everyone updated in good time, so they can access library services at our other sites, if required.
“There will be a reduced number of PCs available at Longton Library, but PCs will be accessible at Meir Library for members still requiring PC access in the meantime.”
