Wilmslow Library reopened today, Monday, March 21st after being closed for four weeks for refurbishment.
The work included an upgrade of the library's decoration and a redesign of the layout to boost facilities for customers and create a brighter, open-plan layout with more seating areas and larger browsing spaces.
To attract more of Cheshire East's youngest readers and school visits, the junior section on the ground floor has also been redesigned, creating a more flexible space.
Other changes include the installation of self-service 'kiosk' facilities, which will reduce queueing for people who are happy to issue, return and renew their own items, and the library's customer service point now has two designated desks and a staff pod, where staff can help people with information about Cheshire East Council services.
Library Manager Helen Perry said "Our first day has been very successful with a lot of very positive feedback from customers. Many are pleased to see that there has been such an investment in Wilmslow Library.
"Customers do not need to be concerned about using the self-serve terminals. Staff are on hand to support anyone needing help."
Guy Kilminster, head of health and wellbeing, added: "The new look Wilmslow Library is now an excellent and more inviting place for people to read and borrow resources.
"The Council is constantly looking for ways to improve the life opportunities of Cheshire East residents. Enhancing our libraries is a big part of this objective."
Comments
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I asked a member of staff why the magazine service had ceased, and she told me it was to reduce costs. Since the magazines were not purchased just for Wilmslow, each copy being circulated around many Cheshire libraries, the cost of the service for any one library would have been very small beer compared to this refurbishment.
We live in times of financial restraint, both personally and for our public services. I do wonder if those who make these spending descisions really do consider the best value per pound for the public. Could we not have kept our magazines instead of carrying out this refurbishment? That would have cost far less and I suspect would be of much greater value to the people of Wilmslow.