Help make Yate library hub of community activity
13 May 2008
Following an award of £1.5 million from the Big Lottery Fund, consultation is now underway to shape the extension and redesign of Yate library to help make it the hub of community activity.
Since receiving the award, the library has established a management board of local people to ensure the project meets the needs of residents and a Friends of Yate Library group is also being created to enable the service to consult people on specific aspects of the projects.
Cheryl Kirby, long standing user of the library and chair of the library committee welcomes news of the award, saying: “This is something the committee has been campaigning about for a very time and we are delighted that the Big Lottery Fund has awarded the grant.
“The project will not only increase the capacity of the building, but also develop the ways in which the library service engages with the local community to make the library a key part of the Yate community.
“If everything goes according to plan the new building will be open by 2010.”
The project has been called Yate 3D as it will help develop the library, develop lives and develop communities.
The planned extension will include space for community learning and an exhibition area to enable local organisations to engage with the community. It will also include community office space to provide a base for various local groups.
Heather Goddard, executive member for communities, said: “This is great news for the people of Yate. Since the library was built in 1971 there has been a transformation in public library services, with many more services being provided. Also, during that time the population served by the library has doubled.
“This investment will form part of our major investment plans for libraries over the next few years which will see major enhancements and improvements delivered across South Gloucestershire.
“The next few years are going to be an exciting time for Yate with the council making huge investment in the town, including a new children’s centre, upgrading of the leisure centre, new council offices and other improvements.”
People can sign up to become a Friend of Yate Library by either completing a card available from the library or by visiting the website at www.southglos.gov.uk/newyatelibrary. Friends will be kept informed of progress, become involved in decision making and, if they are able, help to deliver some of the activities.
To enable the building work to take place the library will close in October for about 12 months, during which time a temporary service will be provided from another venue.