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27 July 2010

Press release number:PR1095

The new library in Seven Kings is officially open giving local residents the opportunity to borrow books and access library services on their doorstep.Seven Kings Library opening

The official opening took place on Monday 26 July, with Council Leader Keith Prince opening the new facility with Cllr Sue Nolan, Cabinet Member for Leisure, and Cllr Ali Hai, a member of the Library Working Group and local community group Take Action for Seven Kings (TASK).

The opening included face painting, story telling and a chance to see the new library for the first time.

The facility will be the first library in the Borough to have Sunday opening hours, and will be open a total of 48 hours a week.

Cllr Sue Nolan, Cabinet Member for Leisure, said, “I’m pleased to be part of the opening today.  It’s going to be a fantastic facility and it's great that it will also be open on Sundays, the first for a library in Redbridge.  I’m sure it will be a really well used library and an asset to the local community.”

Chris Connelley is a member of TASK and regularly attended the library working group, made up of local residents, Council Officers and Councillors.  The group regularly met throughout the process to ensure the facility works well for the community.  Seven Kings Library

He said, “TASK are delighted that we have a new library in Seven Kings.  There’s every indication it is going to generate huge use and form a key part of our community.  It also proves that when people come together in support of what they really want people power can work to their advantage.”

Audrey Shorer, Secretary of the Newbury Park Residents' Association, also attended the opening. 

She said, “I’m so pleased as it’s  something we’ve been looking forward to since the Seven Kings Library closed.  I’m delighted with the facility and the clever way they have used the space.  It’s very light and airy and child friendly.”

Commenting on the library, local resident Tony Small said,
“It’s fantastic, it’s good for local people and is within walking distance.  I will definitely be using it.”

The library at 679 High Road, Seven Kings is fitted with folding shelving so it can be used as a small meeting room outside library hours.  Around 5,000 books, talking books and DVDs will line the shelves and any titles not available can be requested free of charge from other library branches or other libraries in the London libraries consortium.

Regular library activities will be available including story time sessions, reading groups, children's activities and computer and internet tutorials.  The library also offers wireless internet access and has four computers available for free public use.