Blaydon Library final to be refurbished as part of Transforming Libraries project
Blaydon Library will temporarily close next month as the final of our four libraries being upgraded with Government funding.
In 2024, both Crawcrook and Pelaw libraries re-opened with fresh-look facilities, and earlier this year, Birtley was temporarily closed as the third council library to undergo the same refurbishment works as part of the 'Transforming Libraries' project.
Now, Blaydon is the fourth and final library to be refurbished, thanks to funding from the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund, while works at Birtley Library are underway.
The building will temporarily close from Monday 17 March. When it reopens in summer 2025, Blaydon communities will benefit from investment, with a brighter, fresher library space, improved heating and brand-new flooring. The plans will also see the introduction of new bespoke shelving and furniture, as well as dedicated pods to host small meetings or use as study spaces.
In another significant improvement unique to the final library being upgraded, Blaydon Library will welcome Citizen's Advice Gateshead onsite, making it easier for residents living in the west of the borough to access their array of support. Advisers will be available from Monday to Friday to offer guidance on issues ranging from applying for financial support and employment advice to handling relationship problems.
The children's area will also be revamped for the many local schools and families who use the library. 'Hideout' nooks will be created to provide quiet corners where children can get lost in activities, making the most of the new space. Teenagers will also get their own dedicated section of the library, with the aim of encouraging independent study outside of education settings as well as to offer an area to spend time with and make new friends in the community.
Once the works are complete, the Gateshead Libraries team will host a range of events in the transformed library alongside community groups and residents to celebrate the end of the project.
Councillor Angela Douglas, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Tourism, said: "I am so pleased that it is now Blaydon Library's turn to be revitalised. The space will genuinely be transformed and along with it, the experience of everyone who comes through the library's doors.
"It is fantastic news that the fourth and final library refurbished as part of this project will also see the offer to our communities expand, with the fantastic range of support from Citizens Advice Gateshead showing how we can work together to offer everything from help and advice to wellbeing activities and essential resources all under one roof.
"Libraries truly are the heart of our communities, and it has never been a better time to discover more about what is on offer in Gateshead for everyone."
Judith Wood-Archer, Service Delivery Director at Citizens Advice Gateshead, said:"We're incredibly proud of the range of support we offer to Gateshead residents, which has gone from strength to strength in recent months as our service expands across the borough.
"Continuing to build on our work with the council, we are pleased to be opening a locality hub at Blaydon Library, meaning that our help and advice is even more accessible to residents, while being situated in a familiar and welcoming space that is so valued by our communities."
During the temporary works, members of Blaydon Library will be able to use alternative libraries across the borough, and alternative provision for groups and classes will be shared with library members.
For those unable to visit another site, our free Readers at Home service can deliver books and audiobooks to your door. To find out more, call 0191 433 6415. Alternatively, by downloading the Borrowbox app members can access thousands of eBooks, eMagazines and eAudiobooks anytime, anywhere.
Become a member to access all Gateshead Libraries for free, as well as a multitude of online resources, below.
To find out more about the SPF funded project, visit the page below.
Blaydon Library will temporarily close next month as the final of our four libraries being upgraded with Government funding.
In 2024, both Crawcrook and Pelaw libraries re-opened with fresh-look facilities, and earlier this year, Birtley was temporarily closed as the third council library to undergo the same refurbishment works as part of the 'Transforming Libraries' project.
Now, Blaydon is the fourth and final library to be refurbished, thanks to funding from the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund, while works at Birtley Library are underway.
The building will temporarily close from Monday 17 March. When it reopens in summer 2025, Blaydon communities will benefit from investment, with a brighter, fresher library space, improved heating and brand-new flooring. The plans will also see the introduction of new bespoke shelving and furniture, as well as dedicated pods to host small meetings or use as study spaces.
In another significant improvement unique to the final library being upgraded, Blaydon Library will welcome Citizen's Advice Gateshead onsite, making it easier for residents living in the west of the borough to access their array of support. Advisers will be available from Monday to Friday to offer guidance on issues ranging from applying for financial support and employment advice to handling relationship problems.
The children's area will also be revamped for the many local schools and families who use the library. 'Hideout' nooks will be created to provide quiet corners where children can get lost in activities, making the most of the new space. Teenagers will also get their own dedicated section of the library, with the aim of encouraging independent study outside of education settings as well as to offer an area to spend time with and make new friends in the community.
Once the works are complete, the Gateshead Libraries team will host a range of events in the transformed library alongside community groups and residents to celebrate the end of the project.
Councillor Angela Douglas, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Tourism, said: "I am so pleased that it is now Blaydon Library's turn to be revitalised. The space will genuinely be transformed and along with it, the experience of everyone who comes through the library's doors.
"It is fantastic news that the fourth and final library refurbished as part of this project will also see the offer to our communities expand, with the fantastic range of support from Citizens Advice Gateshead showing how we can work together to offer everything from help and advice to wellbeing activities and essential resources all under one roof.
"Libraries truly are the heart of our communities, and it has never been a better time to discover more about what is on offer in Gateshead for everyone."
Judith Wood-Archer, Service Delivery Director at Citizens Advice Gateshead, said:"We're incredibly proud of the range of support we offer to Gateshead residents, which has gone from strength to strength in recent months as our service expands across the borough.
"Continuing to build on our work with the council, we are pleased to be opening a locality hub at Blaydon Library, meaning that our help and advice is even more accessible to residents, while being situated in a familiar and welcoming space that is so valued by our communities."
During the temporary works, members of Blaydon Library will be able to use alternative libraries across the borough, and alternative provision for groups and classes will be shared with library members.
For those unable to visit another site, our free Readers at Home service can deliver books and audiobooks to your door. To find out more, call 0191 433 6415. Alternatively, by downloading the Borrowbox app members can access thousands of eBooks, eMagazines and eAudiobooks anytime, anywhere.
Become a member to access all Gateshead Libraries for free, as well as a multitude of online resources, below.
To find out more about the SPF funded project, visit the page below.
