City of York Council is set to commit £7.7 million to libraries across York as part of an improvement programme with Explore York Libraries and Archives.
The investment includes a £5m Library Learning Centre for Clifton, a new permanent library for Haxby and Wigginton, and a significant capital investment for Acomb Library Learning Centre.
Clifton’s new Library Learning Centre will go from 270 square metres to over 1400, incorporating a multi-purpose space holding 15,000 books, evening events, a Reading Cafe, a Children’s Library, and a community partner area.
Other key developments to be delivered under the £7.7m commitment include; a new modern library, co-located with Haxby and Wigginton Oaken Grove Community Centre and capital investment in the current Library Learning Centre in Acomb, allowing development and improvement through the renewal of the ground floor entrance and café, an additional community garden, an extended and improved library area, improved access to other service providers and delivery of a full programme of events and activities in partnership with cultural providers.
Councillor Keith Aspden, Leader of City of York Council, added:
“This once-
in-a-generation investment builds
on our belief that libraries are key in supporting strong local communities and resident wellbeing. Delivering services closer to people helps tackle isolation, loneliness and ensure that those who are struggling get help locally.
“I’d like to thank all of the community partners of the Clifton, Acomb and Haxby & Wigginton projects for their hard work and support in bringing this vision to life, and I look forward to further progress on these exciting proposals in the coming months.”
Explore York’s Deputy Chief Executive, Sarah Garbacz said:
“We are delighted to be taking this great step forward in our partnership with City of York Council. This huge investment not only meets the needs of our current customers, but also enables us to deliver more and better, so we also attract new audiences.”
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