RESIDENTS in Stockton Borough are invited to a special drop-in event next week to find out more about the new look Yarm Library.
From 10am to 2pm on Wednesday 3 February, the library will host a preview session where residents will have the opportunity to see the new designs and artists’ impressions.
The event follows approval of the refurbishment plans by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Planning Committee on Wednesday 27 January.
Once complete, the works will see the library’s entrance remodelled to improve disabled access and a new disabled toilet will be incorporated in the revamped library.
Residents will also have access to new self-service borrowing and renewal facilities as well as a special self-service portal to request a Council service or report an issue.
The stylish furniture and moveable shelving that are already enhancing Stockton, Thornaby and Billingham town centre libraries will be installed, while planned improvements to the children’s section and outdoor garden area will further enhance the library.
The Council has also worked in partnership with Newcastle Building Society to help people access financial services within the library.
Councillor Norma Wilburn, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Arts, Leisure and Culture, said: “We know that Yarm Library is a popular and well-used library and I have no doubt that this latest investment will benefit the community for many more years to come.
“As well as the new self-service facilities, residents will be able to access a range of financial services at the new branch of Newcastle Building Society. The new shared space with our partners will not only benefit our residents but also helps to maintain a viable service in the future.
“We are really pleased to provide a one-stop shop of services under one roof and encourage residents to come along next Wednesday to see the new design first-hand.”
Andrew Haigh, Chief Executive at Newcastle Building Society, said: “We’re delighted to be working closely with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council on this project. We’re committed to making financial advice more readily available and supporting the local communities in which we operate. We have recently announced a £10million investment programme into our business and our plans to open up a community-based branch in Yarm library is an important part of this investment.
“We look forward to meeting residents at the consultation event and we’re excited to show them our plans so we encourage people to visit us.”
The library will close on 13 February and is due to reopen in the autumn.
Library users will be able to use alternative facilities at Egglescliffe and Ingleby Barwick libraries as well as the mobile library which regularly visits Timothy Hackworth Court in Yarm, Conyers Court in Yarm and Wycliffe/Ayresome Court in Yarm. For more information about the mobile library visit www.stockton.gov.uk/mobilelibrary