A LIBRARY has secured £200,000 from a fund which helps them upgrade their buildings and boost their digital offering as the library announces a “major transformation project.”

Following the announcement for Scarborough library, North Yorkshire’s library service has pledged another £250,000 to deliver a “major” transformation project.

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The grant has been awarded through the Libraries Improvement Fund by the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sports, and is being delivered by Arts Council England.

Chrys Mellor, Libraries Manager at North Yorkshire Council, said they were delighted to receive such a “huge cash boost.”

He added: “The grant from the Arts Council will help deliver an exciting transformation project in Scarborough library.

The Northern Echo: One of designs on how the library could lookOne of designs on how the library could look

“Along with our investment, it will be used to create a welcoming, inclusive, exciting and accessible library, providing a range of facilities and resources that inspires people to visit and use as a social space.”

The ground floor of the library will be reconfigured to create a safe place for families and a bright space for children to allow a wide range of activities and events.

There will also be quieter areas for relaxation and study as well as a space to meet up with friends.

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According to the library, customer feedback shows that expectations have changed in the 20 years since its IT suite was established.

Mr Mellor added: “Attracting young people and enabling them to benefit from resources to support wellbeing, learning opportunities, social needs and employment prospects is high on our agenda.

“We want a library where partners and community groups can meet and have opportunities to develop their own activities in both private and public spaces. We will create a versatile space that will allow for group activities, informal drop-ins and private consultation.

“We have been contacted by remote workers, unlikely to have an office to return to post-pandemic, looking for spaces to meet or access equipment and resources that they do not have at home.

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“The library is the place to fulfil those needs. In doing so we will play a vital role in supporting the town’s economic recovery.”

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