Much more than books at our new-look library (From Worcester News)

Much more than books at our new-look library

10:30pm Monday 31st May 2010 in News By Lauren Rogers, @laurenrogersWN #WENews

A WEEK-long festival of free events from today will mark the refurbishment and reopening of a Worcester library.

Since the doors of St John’s Library opened again three weeks ago, more than 4,000 people have paid it a visit.

As part of the celebrations until Saturday, there will be adult learning taster sessions, storytelling by local authors, arts and crafts workshops and nature displays.

The festival will be officially launched by Councillor Philip Gretton, Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet member for adult and community services, at 10.30am today.

Coun Gretton said: “The building is looking wonderful. Inside is bright and airy and the new facilities are state of the art.

“I look forward to seeing people of all ages and backgrounds at the festival and encourage people to get involved with the activities."

A £1.49 million grant from the Big Lottery Community Libraries Fund made the library’s major overhaul possible. The Victorian building in Glebe Close has been extended and now boasts stairs and ramps leading to the main entrance, a separate staff entrance, and a whole new area raised to match the floor level of the original period building.

Inside there are interactive areas, designed with the help of local people, equipped with computers, study desks and CD listening posts As well as the book collection, there are purpose-built meeting rooms, including a soundproofed one, a gallery and exhibition space with speakers, a projector and plasma screens.

Self-service machines enable borrowers to automatically issue, renew and return books and make payments. There is also free Wifi internet access and a community garden.

In the year up to April, 123,107 items were borrowed from St John’s Library. Staff hope the refit will encourage more people to visit and boost that figure further.