6/10/2010 - Egremont`s temporary library extended and improved

Egremont library's temporary home in the Town Hall will see some key improvements when it reopens next week.

The library has been closed this week for staff holidays and so that the improvements can be made. When it reopens next week it will have nearly double the floor space, more seating and three extra computers.

It will also now feature a Well Read collection, where people can pick up books prescribed by their local doctor to help with mental health problems and other emotional wellbeing issues. People can also ‘self prescribe’ Well Read titles free of charge from the dedicated shelving units.

The library moved to the Town Hall in July 2009 after the former library building was demolished as part of the construction of the new West Lakes Academy. Once completed, the Academy will house a new state-of-the-art library for the town and the current premises in the Town Hall will be relocated to the new, modern building.

The extension of the library space in the Town Hall has been made possible thanks to council staff relocating from the Town Hall to the new, improved council base at Blencathra House at Queen's Dock, Whitehaven. The move will improve services while increasing efficiency for the council by changing both where and how our staff work as part of the council's Better Places for Work scheme.

Opening hours at Egremont library will remain the same as before.

Cllr Gary Strong, Cumbria County Council's Cabinet member responsible for libraries, said:

"I'm delighted that we've been able to improve the temporary home for Egremont's library. As soon as the extra space became available, we've used it in the best possible ways for library customers. It's another exciting step towards the fantastic facilities we have planned at the new Academy."

ENDS

Media enquiries to Gareth Cosslett, News Manager on 01228 226332