THE BLOXIDGE TALLYGRAPH

Bloxwich Library (SW) 

Dateline: 16 October 2009

Bloxwich Library, one of the busiest and most popular libraries in the borough is set to undergo a major transformation after contractors were appointed earlier this week.

The library, in Elmore Row, will be closed from Monday November 2 and transfer to a temporary library facility which will open on Tuesday November 10 on the forecourt, operating a limited service during the period of work.

A £1.2m grant from the BIG Lottery Communities Libraries fund, awarded in July 2008 will transform the now-dilapidated venue, which was state-of-the art and unique in the area when it opened in 1960, together with the attached 1964 Library Theatre which is also being refurbished,  into a lively, flexible and inclusive facility for learning and culture in the heart of the town.

Contractors E Manton Ltd from Birmingham were appointed in October and building work is expected to take around 9 months to complete, starting on Monday November 9.

Councillor Barry Sanders, Walsall Council's portfolio holder for leisure and culture said: "This is a very exciting opportunity for the people of Bloxwich. The library and theatre are in a tired 1950s building which does need updating and re-modelling.

"It's going to be remodelled internally and will benefit from an external facelift, providing a modern library environment fit for the 21st century."

The new facility will include a local access point for council information, exhibition, display and performance areas, a cafe, meeting rooms and a children's reading garden. Other benefits include improvements to the energy performance of the building.

Councillor Sanders added: "There will be a temporary library facility available during the construction work and we will be letting members of the community know its opening hours. We urge library visitors to bear with us during the building programme and we'll aim to keep disruption to the service to a minimum."

Sue Grainger, head of libraries and heritage in Walsall said: "Library visitors have seen huge changes at our libraries made possible by the Library Modernisation Programme. We're extremely proud of these new facilities and delighted that work is now due to commence at Bloxwich Library. The space will be transformed to an exciting, friendly and accessible venue which will offer leisure, learning and cultural opportunities for the whole community.

For information on the history of Bloxwich libraries, follow this link.

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