THE BLOXIDGE TALLYGRAPH

Bloxwich Library & Theatre undergoing transformation (Picture: Stuart Williams)

Dateline: 24 January 2010

A specially-formed user group is working behind the scenes with library staff to help ensure a great future for literature and culture in Bloxwich.

Bloxwich Library and the attached Library Theatre, opened 1960-64, are currently undergoing major refurbishment and remodelling to make the facility, which is being renamed Bloxwich Library & Studio Theatre (B.L.A.S.T) as state-of-the-art and user-friendly for the 21st century as it was cutting edge when it opened in the swinging 60s.

Now the library's B.L.A.S.T User Forum, formed a year ago as part of public consultation on the redvelopment, continues to be busy providing ideas and support, working with library management, while construction workers are busy on the mammoth task which is expected to take until around the end of July this year to complete.

Apart from the latest library facilities for adults, children and students, there will also be an integrated cafe, exhibition area, public toilets and other facilities merging the library with the upgraded Studio Theatre.  The multi-use theatre will be refitted and have completely new adjustable seating and video projection facilities, reflecting and updating upon the 16mm projection cinema which was an integral part of the original development.

Unique in the Midlands when it was built, and still unique in Walsall Borough, the completed development will be a cultural centre for both for Bloxwich and for the rest of the Walsall area once it is open.

B.L.A.S.T User Forum will have its own section of The Bloxidge Tallygraph shortly.

For info on the history of Bloxwich libraries, see this link.  For our recent story on progress with the library and theatre development, check out this story.

Permanent story link here.

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