Fresh chapter for library thanks to £450,000 upgrade

Library users in Scarborough will be given an improved service through a revamp costing £450,000 to modernise facilities.

Work will include relocating the children’s library to the front of the building into a larger, brighter area with better facilities for children and families.

There will also be a new IT area and community and exhibition space, as well as new shelving and furniture, device charging points, redecoration and carpeting.

Funding has been set aside for more books ready for the re-opening of the building.

The library secured £200,000 from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sports/Arts Council England Libraries Improvement Fund.

This, backed by a further £250,000 investment from North Yorkshire County Council, will fund the reconfiguration of the ground floor to create a more attractive space.

North Yorkshire County Council executive member for libraries, Councillor Greg White, said: “I am very excited about these improvements at Scarborough library. They will result in a welcoming, modern space that meets the changing needs of the community.

“By creating more flexible areas, we can look forward to working more closely with a range of partners to deliver activities to benefit local people.

“Scarborough library currently attracts more than 10,000 visits every month and I am confident the improvements will result in it welcoming many more people.”

The library will close on 18 February for the improvement programme to be carried out and is scheduled to re-open on 22 May.