London,
23
November
2008
|
23:00
Europe/London

Clapton Library gets ready for a revamp

Clapton Library is to be refurbished and expanded, thanks to a major restoration project that will return the Grade II listed building’s original features to their former glory and create more room for improved facilities.

Hackney Council will be making a number of significant investments in libraries across the borough and, as such, Clapton Library is set for a refurbishment that will make it 30 per cent bigger in size with space for many added and improved services and resources.

The library on Northwold Road will temporarily close at the end of November 2008 when works begin to restore and extend the building and it will reopen in 2010.

When completed, the refurbished and expanded library will not only meet the highest environmental standards but it will have a dedicated IT and study area providing free internet access for library members, including over three hundred popular reference titles held online.

The enhanced facilities will include comfortable reading areas throughout, a meeting room that will be used to host library events and educational groups. There will be a dedicated teen zone, a ground floor children’s library with buggy park and storytelling area, brand new books and DVDs, also an ‘Express’ area with popular titles for busy customers.

The new extension will include a wheelchair accessible entrance and a lift providing improved access for all.

Councillor Nargis Khan, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “This is a very exciting period in the development of Hackney’s library service that will greatly enhance the facilities and resources available to local people. We are all really looking forward to seeing the improved library building in Clapton, and thank the users for their patience during the temporary but unavoidable closure.”

During restoration, users are being asked to take advantage of the other seven libraries open across the borough to access services and resources. Stamford Hill Library, Portland Avenue N16, is approximately a mile away, and users can combine a trip to the library with a visit to Hackney Museum if they travel to Hackney Central Library, Reading Lane E8.

We will, however, provide a home delivery service for any regular Clapton users who will find it difficult to get to another library during the works because of limited mobility. For more information about this service contact the Community Library Service on 020 8356 5238 or visit the Council’s website www.hackney.gov.uk

Clapton’s Islamic collection will be transferred to Homerton Library during the works but will be returned to Clapton when the library reopens.

The new library building has been designed by Shepheard Epstein Hunter who have over 10 years of experience working with councils and listed buildings, and designing libraries. They have also worked on schools and academies in Hackney and are involved in the masterplan for Woodberry Down.

Clapton Library will temporarily close at the end of November 2008 for restoration and expansion works and will reopen in 2010 bigger and better.