New library opens in Bloxwich
Date Published : 07 September 2010
The countdown is complete and the wait is finally over! After, nine months, 44 weeks and 308 days of construction, a new library was being unveiled today to the community of Bloxwich.
'Bookmark Bloxwich', the new name for the Bloxwich Library and Theatre opened its doors at 9.30am to welcome visitors for the first time since it closed in September 2009. Contractors E Manton Ltd from Birmingham began working on the Elmore Row site in November.
A £1.2m grant from the Big Lottery Communities Libraries fund, awarded in July 2008 has transformed the dilapidated 1950s venue into a vibrant, flexible and inclusive facility for learning and culture.
Traditional memories of dull or gloomy libraries have been thrown out by the careful use of a variety of colours, while maintaining a welcoming environment for all.
The new facility will include a cafe, new computer desks, known as 'pods', a local access point for council information, exhibition, display and performance areas, meeting rooms and a children's reading garden.
The library’s performance and meeting venue now contains retractable seating, which can be folded back towards the rear wall, opening up a multi-purpose space to accommodate all kinds of activities and performances.
Other benefits include improvements to the energy performance of the building, a community space for local groups to hire and will be Wi-fi enabled.
Councillor Anthony Harris, Walsall Council's cabinet member for leisure, culture and the environment said: "Bloxwich's new library is more than a collection of books. It is a modern cultural venue. Its light open spaces and vibrant colours will no doubt draw in existing and new library members and is an exciting environment to read, listen to music, to learn or to just relax and enjoy."
Sue Grainger, head of libraries and heritage added: "The wait is finally over and we’re delighted with the new library facility. The colour scheme really brings the building to life and we can’t wait to show it off to members of the community.
"Bloxwich is one of our busiest libraries and this is set to continue following this major transformation. Our staff have been brilliant and I would like to thank them for maintaining a library service from the temporary facility during the past nine months."
A community fun day has been arranged for Saturday 18 September 2010.
Contact us
The new telephone number for Bloxwich Library is 01922 655900.