Substantial improvement work is underway at Bury St Edmunds Library.
The work will be ongoing until the end of April and is part of the first phase of a substantial project to reconfigure and improve the layout and interior of the library.
The work is being funded by Section 106 developer contribution funding provided via Suffolk County Council. It represents the biggest development project at the library since a major refurbishment in 2010.
The first phase of work will focus on improving the ground floor with changes to the foyer area, children’s library and the county council family hub which is based at the library. New furniture will be installed and there will be changes to the layout with a focus on creating a more welcoming, accessible and inclusive space for customers and families. New energy efficient lighting will also be installed.
Suffolk Libraries is working with the contractors to reduce inconvenience to customers and maintain services and activities during the work but there will inevitably be some disruption whilst the work is carried out.
The children’s library has been temporarily relocated to the first floor quiet study area and the public computers from this space have been re- located in the main public library area for the time being. The library’s family hub activities have been temporarily relocated to the Carousel Family Hub at New Bury Community Centre.
Whilst the work is carried out there will also be no access to the out of hours drop box for returning library books. However, Suffolk Libraries is reassuring customers they will not receive late charges if this makes it difficult for them to return loans on time.
Two regular activities – Coding Club and Stay & Play - will unfortunately not be available during the work, but all the library’s other activities will be running as usual.
Customers are also being warned that there will have to be a short-term closure of the library when the new lighting is installed.
Tracey Paris, Bury St Edmunds Library Manager, said:
“We apologise for any disruption during this work but it represents the start of some exciting and significant improvements to the library that we hope will benefit the entire community.”
The first phase of work will be followed by other improvements including a new glass reading bubble for children, the creation of a larger hireable community space, new toilets and improvements on the first floor. There is no confirmed date for this further work at this stage.
Councillor Philip Faircloth Mutton, Suffolk County Council Cabinet Member for Environment, Communities, and Equality said:
“We’re pleased to help fund these improvements which will make the library more accessible and welcoming for the community. These changes will enhance the space for families and visitors, making a real difference to those who use it.”
