Good news from the County Council this week with the Library getting a £330,000 refurbishment in time for the Summer Holidays. Consequently the library will close on the 29th April for six to eight weeks.

We are regular library users and always have a large stack of childrens library books ready for bedtime.

Anything that makes the building more accessible and available for community events should be welcomed. Indeed, a report in 2006 commissioned by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport showed that negative perceptions of public libraries are deeply entrenched among the 14 to 35 age group.

According to the literacy trust, the recommendations for attracting 14 to 35 year-olds into libraries were:

• Modernisation of style (décor, buildings, furnishings, not school-like)
• Enhanced environment (a ‘destination’ fell; a stylish café adds enormous value)
• Variety and separation (people, especially teens and families, need to be able to see something that ‘fits their needs and not others’)
• Comfort (no restrictions on noise in some parts of the library)
• Classes (short demonstrations, tasters, etc)
• Multimedia activity
• Recent/latest stock (request service could ensure new stock is considered)
• Electronic access (for online reservations and extension of loans)
• Location/access (being part of the commercial landscape; evening and weekend opening hours)
• Assistance/support (friendlier staff, especially for ‘Teen Space seekers).

The proposals look like they’re going some way to achieve this. All it will be missing is a coffee shop!

The press release from the County Council says it better than I, so I’ll reproduce it here:

ORMSKIRK Library on Burscough Street will be closed to the public during May and June for major refurbishment.

The library will be closed for between six and eight weeks from Wednesday, 29 April 2009.

The closure will allow for the refurbishment and improved facilities of the existing premises as part of Lancashire County Council’s Library Regenerate Programme.

The county council is investing over £330,000 of capital funding for the refurbishment which will see the library transformed into a bright, attractive flexible space allowing improved access to all library services.

Improvements will include a more accessible entrance in Derby Street, more computers, comfortable seating and open spaces. Shelving for books will be mobile to allow for community events to be held more frequently and areas especially designated for family and community history and young people.

Lancashire County Council has been investing capital funding over the last three years to implement its “Library Regenerate” project to modernise libraries by creating flexible space based on community need.

County Councillor Anne Brown, cabinet member for Adult and Community Services, said:

“We are investing heavily in developing our libraries and our Library and Information Service so it is fit for the 21st century and, more importantly, it meets the needs and aspirations of local people. Our aim is to invest, develop and provide services that benefit everyone, both young and old alike, with our libraries at the heart of local communities.”

During the closure, library customers are welcome to use their membership cards at any other library in Lancashire. Books and other loaned items can be returned or renewed at any Lancashire County Council library regardless of where they were borrowed from, or by telephoning 0845 050 1083. Anyone experiencing any difficulties will be allowed to borrow extra books over the period.

The nearest libraries open to the public during this temporary closure are:
– Burscough Library, on Mill Lane, Burscough – opens every day except Wednesday, closing for lunch at 12.30 – 1.30pm (half day Thursday and Saturday)

– Skelmersdale Library, on Southway – opens every day, half day on Wednesday and open Saturday afternoon until 4pm.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

For more information please visit Lancashire County Council’s Library and Information Service at www.lancashire.gov/libraries

For further information please contact: Andrew Lynn on 01772 534372 andrew.lynn@ssd.lancscc.gov.uk