Biggleswade Library opens its doors this month after being transformed into a modern facility and community hub for residents, with a children’s centre, Registrars office and help for people moving to online banking.
The library will re-open during the October half-term, from Tuesday 24, with children’s events planned during the week including crafts, a scavenger hunt and Halloween themed activities.
The refurbishments have enhanced the current library layout, made better use of the space, and enabled additional services to be offered within the building. The improvements to the library include:
- a bigger children’s library
- an improved information technology (IT) zone
- increased study space
- new books, a microfiche reading machine and self-service machines
- improved Wi-Fi
Library staff will be on hand to show customers around the new library.
There have also been crucial improvements made to the building including new ventilation, flooring, furniture, and shelving. The building has been upgraded to function more efficiently and sustainably.
Starting November 1, 2023, the registration service will be available in an office located in the library building from Wednesday to Friday, operating between 9.30 am and 4.30 pm. It will handle registrations for births, deaths, marriages, and civil partnerships exclusively; ceremonies will take place at different locations. To schedule an appointment, visit the council’s website.
Biggleswade Children’s Centre will begin to deliver services from this new location from November 2023, being fully operational from January 2024. Offering a sneak preview from 9.00 am to 3.30 pm on Tuesday 24 October 2023, the centre’s staff will be available to offer information about current and future services.
Barclays Bank will host a weekly advice centre in the library, from Tuesday to Thursday, operating between 10 am and 4 pm. The purpose of this centre is to provide support and guidance to customers looking to transition to online services.
Councillor Simon Ford, Central Bedfordshire Council’s Executive Member for Executive Member for Highways and Waste, said: “Our revamped library is set to take on a pivotal role at the heart of the community, offering a wide range of essential services to our residents. We have made substantial investments in the renovation of the building, resulting in a state-of-the-art library that will offer excellent community services to our residents.
“With the libraries upgraded features, including registration services, a children’s centre, and a banking advice service, we’re really pleased to be able to meet the needs of all and the library become a hub at the heart of the local community.”
To find out more about the library service and activities happening at Biggleswade Library, visit the Council’s website or follow the libraries on Facebook.
Beds Bulletin County Oct 23
https://digital.magmgr.com/Preview/Index/2696117#page/1
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