Birtley library to temporarily close as part of refurbishment project
Following the refurbishment of Crawcrook and Pelaw libraries earlier this year, Birtley library will temporarily close next month as the third of four libraries being upgraded for communities across Gateshead.
Both Crawcrook and Pelaw libraries re-opened with new lighting, decoration and internal fittings which have created more space for community activities and enticed residents to discover more about the range of resources available at their local library.
The second phase of the 'Transforming Libraries' project will commence in 2025 and see two further libraries, Birtley and Blaydon, improved as part of the works being completed with funding from the government's Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF).
Birtley library will be the third to be refurbished, closing temporarily in mid-January and reopening in the spring. Once the works at each of the four libraries are completed, residents and community groups will be invited to celebrate the project with an event at each site.
Councillor Angela Douglas, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Tourism, said: "It's fantastic to see the progression of our transforming libraries project, which will see a total of four libraries improved for our communities, being so well received by new and returning library members.
For anyone who has not yet registered with their local library, it's never been a better time to become a member. I would highly recommend you discover more about the range of services we offer, from somewhere to start a new hobby and make friends to accessing thousands of free resources, all year round."
Birtley library members will be able to use any alternative library in the borough during the temporary closure. Alternative provision for groups such as 'Rhyme Time' is also under consideration and will be confirmed in the new year.
We'd love to see members at our other libraries during the temporary closures and final phase of the refurbishments, but if you're unable to visit another site, our free Readers at Home service means you can access books and resources at home, including audiobooks.
If you would like to be considered, please call us on 0191 433 6415.
All library members can borrow up to 20 books from any of our libraries with a library card and the Borrowbox app gives you 24 hours access to thousands of eBooks, eMagazines and eAudiobooks from home.
Following the refurbishment of Crawcrook and Pelaw libraries earlier this year, Birtley library will temporarily close next month as the third of four libraries being upgraded for communities across Gateshead.
Both Crawcrook and Pelaw libraries re-opened with new lighting, decoration and internal fittings which have created more space for community activities and enticed residents to discover more about the range of resources available at their local library.
The second phase of the 'Transforming Libraries' project will commence in 2025 and see two further libraries, Birtley and Blaydon, improved as part of the works being completed with funding from the government's Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF).
Birtley library will be the third to be refurbished, closing temporarily in mid-January and reopening in the spring. Once the works at each of the four libraries are completed, residents and community groups will be invited to celebrate the project with an event at each site.
Councillor Angela Douglas, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Tourism, said: "It's fantastic to see the progression of our transforming libraries project, which will see a total of four libraries improved for our communities, being so well received by new and returning library members.
For anyone who has not yet registered with their local library, it's never been a better time to become a member. I would highly recommend you discover more about the range of services we offer, from somewhere to start a new hobby and make friends to accessing thousands of free resources, all year round."
Birtley library members will be able to use any alternative library in the borough during the temporary closure. Alternative provision for groups such as 'Rhyme Time' is also under consideration and will be confirmed in the new year.
We'd love to see members at our other libraries during the temporary closures and final phase of the refurbishments, but if you're unable to visit another site, our free Readers at Home service means you can access books and resources at home, including audiobooks.
If you would like to be considered, please call us on 0191 433 6415.
All library members can borrow up to 20 books from any of our libraries with a library card and the Borrowbox app gives you 24 hours access to thousands of eBooks, eMagazines and eAudiobooks from home.
