26 June 2012
Press release number: PR1793
Ilford Central Library is reopening on Tuesday 3 July at 3
pm following a major refurbishment to improve facilities and
make it more user-friendly for visitors.
The modernisation of the Central Library, is one of a number of
library improvements over the last three years. Redbridge Council
and Vision, the trust that runs leisure facilities in the Borough,
are committed to libraries as an important community facility for
everyone to use and enjoy.
The
improvements will help save money by making the building more
energy efficient and income will be made from the new coffee shop,
which will also attract new users and encourage people to stay
longer.
Important aim of the refurbishment
Encouraging children to visit the library and read is also an
important aim of the refurbishment, with access to iPads programmed
with child-friendly content.
The main purpose of libraries to encourage and enable reading
books has not been forgotten, with a replacement of old, worn books
and the addition of many new titles.
Councillor Robin Turbefield, Cabinet
Member for Leisure and Youth Services said,
"I am sure these new improvements will be welcomed by the local
community and I hope it will encourage more people to use the
library and all the wonderful new facilities. I am sure
people will want to spend quality time in the library.
"I am very impressed with the refurbishment that has taken
place. The new features have brought the building to life and I
hope library users will enjoy all the innovative ideas incorporated
into the new design. This really is a library fit for the 21st
century.”
Key improvements to the Central Library, following the
six-month refurbishment, include:
- Self-service machines and a welcome desk with staff on hand to
help library users
- An innovative children’s library with sofas to encourage
parents and children to stay and read
- An “Enchanted Forest” area with video projections which aims to
inspire children to read
- iPad towers and learning games
- More study areas spaced throughout the library, comfortable
seating and spaces for laptop users with free WiFi
- A combined Reference Library and Local Studies and Archives
section
- A coffee shop
With all the new facilities available the library will have a
very relaxed but busy atmosphere. However, for people who want to
go somewhere quieter to read there is a “silent study room”
available on the second floor.
