A much-loved library and community hub at the heart of the community has opened its doors once again after a major refurbishment.
Ormesby Library opened in the 1960s but closed on Monday 1 August last year (2022) for refurbishment after becoming tired-looking and today (Thursday 26 January) people had their first chance to see it transformed into a modern library and vibrant community hub the whole community to enjoy.
It’s hoped the only community building in the Ormesby ward will have increased use as a library but also as a centre for the people it is there to serve with a wide range of activities.
The interior has been redesigned to create a place for people to meet, learn, play explore and connect. It boasts a new flexible meeting and events space to allow multiple uses of the building at any time. The furniture chosen can be easily moved to create an even bigger space to enable the venue to be used for lots of activity. It is now a modern space which realises the potential and power of what a library and community hub can be. Alongside the look and feel an improved heating and light system has been put in place.
And it has already proven to be a hit with the first members of the public to walk through the doors. Children from nearby Overfields Primary School enjoyed hearing stories from professional storyteller, Elizabeth Baker. Headteacher, Tracy Watson, explained the school had used the library and community space a lot and had missed it and was enthusiastic about the transformed space. She said:
“It’s like a completely different building. It’s as if someone knocked it down and started again – I’m really impressed. To us, there is nothing more important than a child being able to open a book and read so it’s been lovely to see the children itching for the place to reopen. They’ve been looking through the windows to see what it’s like.”
It wasn’t just younger members of the community who enjoyed the first day. Marie Toombs, 97, explained she uses as a place to meet people and find information. She said:
“I think it’s wonderful. There’s so much light and space – whoever designed it knew what they were doing. I’m greatly impressed.”
Cllr Louise Westbury, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Culture, said:
“What a fantastic space for the people of Ormesby and beyond! The redevelopment will drive up usage of the building from the communities it is there to serve, create a much better experience and improve the perception of the value of libraries. We want our libraries to be spaces that the public can engage with actively and it is important that they are warm and welcoming. It will also enable us to connect more with communities, driving forward our offer and objectives around reading and increasing literacy, information and digital, culture and creative opportunities and enrichment and health and wellbeing.”
It's also hoped the Community Hub and library will be used for events, including film nights and even music nights, as well as for community groups and a small conference-style space for meetings. The building is also being used as a warm space where people may get tea and coffees during the cost of living crisis.
More family fun activities are planned at the library for tomorrow and Saturday (January 27 and 28). Pop along to enjoy traditional tales loved by all with Storyteller, Author and Actor, Chris Connaughton. 10.30am-11.30am for three to seven-year-olds and from 1pm-2pm for children aged eight and above. There will be interactive activities for the whole family including crafts, including making your own rainbow. There’s also a chance to build with Lego and children will be asked to create a secret fantasy room they’d like to see in the library and community hub.
Ormesby Library & Community Hub opening hours are:
Monday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesday: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Friday: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday: 9:30am – 12:30pm
Sunday: Closed