Birtley Library set to reopen after refurbishment
Birtley Library is reopening on Monday 14 April after temporarily closing for refurbishment earlier in the year.
As part of the library's refresh, the space has new lighting and decoration. Shelving and furniture has also been upgraded to create improved space for community activities and book borrowing.
A new children's area also features designs by local illustrator and artist Gemma Kooman from her book 'The Tree Keepers'. This space includes fun hideaways to encourage children to play or relax and enjoy a book.
When the venue reopens, it will also be home to an Active Travel Centre operated in partnership with Sustrans. The centre will promote cleaner, greener travel through offering advice on everyday active journeys such as walking, using wheelchairs and cycling, short-term cycle loans, refurbished cycle referrals as well as cycle training and maintenance sessions. To promote health and wellbeing, it will also supporting Gateshead's social prescribing programme.
Commenting on the improvements, Councillor Angela Douglas, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Tourism, shared: "It's fantastic to see how far our spaces have come thanks to the Transforming Libraries project. I am excited for when residents get to walk through Birtley Library's doors again for the first time and get a glimpse at what a magnificent change there has been.
"For anyone who has not yet registered with their local library, there's never been a better time to become a member and discover more about everything they offer. From Rhymetime and storytime to craft activities and heritage sessions, there is something for everyone."
Birtley is the third of four Gateshead Libraries to be upgraded thanks to the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund. Crawcrook and Pelaw libraries have already both reopened with a fresh new look with works at Blaydon Library underway until summer.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a £2.6 billion fund aiming to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK by investing in communities, supporting local businesses, people and skills.
Find what's on at your local library at www.gateshead.gov.uk/WhatsOn
Birtley Library is reopening on Monday 14 April after temporarily closing for refurbishment earlier in the year.
As part of the library's refresh, the space has new lighting and decoration. Shelving and furniture has also been upgraded to create improved space for community activities and book borrowing.
A new children's area also features designs by local illustrator and artist Gemma Kooman from her book 'The Tree Keepers'. This space includes fun hideaways to encourage children to play or relax and enjoy a book.
When the venue reopens, it will also be home to an Active Travel Centre operated in partnership with Sustrans. The centre will promote cleaner, greener travel through offering advice on everyday active journeys such as walking, using wheelchairs and cycling, short-term cycle loans, refurbished cycle referrals as well as cycle training and maintenance sessions. To promote health and wellbeing, it will also supporting Gateshead's social prescribing programme.
Commenting on the improvements, Councillor Angela Douglas, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Tourism, shared: "It's fantastic to see how far our spaces have come thanks to the Transforming Libraries project. I am excited for when residents get to walk through Birtley Library's doors again for the first time and get a glimpse at what a magnificent change there has been.
"For anyone who has not yet registered with their local library, there's never been a better time to become a member and discover more about everything they offer. From Rhymetime and storytime to craft activities and heritage sessions, there is something for everyone."
Birtley is the third of four Gateshead Libraries to be upgraded thanks to the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund. Crawcrook and Pelaw libraries have already both reopened with a fresh new look with works at Blaydon Library underway until summer.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a £2.6 billion fund aiming to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK by investing in communities, supporting local businesses, people and skills.
Find what's on at your local library at www.gateshead.gov.uk/WhatsOn
