Library to be a landmark (From Gazette Series)

Library to be a landmark

THE first phase of building at Dursley's new library was completed this week.

On Wednesday, Gloucestershire County Council's representatives for Cam and Dursley Margaret Nolder and Dennis Andrewartha were helped by six-year-old library member Zo Aston to lay the final block in the floor of the May Lane building, which is due to open in December.

Once completed the two-storey state-of-the-art library, which is costing around £875,000, will offer additional computers with broadband, set in an informal internet caf area. There will be new books, a selection of DVDs, videos and CDs plus a children's section with an interactive feature. Customers will also benefit from a queue jump terminal to check out books.

The building will also be home to Stroud District Council's Citizens' First information service

Cllr Tony Hicks, cabinet member for libraries, said: "The unique design for the new library has certainly generated debate in the town but once completed it will offer great opportunities to people in the town and surrounding area for information, leisure and learning."

Cllr Nolder said: "It is great to see the new library taking shape. I started my local government career working in the old library at Dursley and know how important to local people the services we provide are. With more free-to-use personal computers and information points like Citizens' First, the new Dursley Library and its staff will be able to improve and take forward the services that the old building provided."

Cllr Andrewartha said: "The old library at May Lane was not able to meet the needs of a modern library service for Dursley.

"The new library, which has caused much-debate in the town, will provide a state of the art facility for the local community. With both its modern exterior and interior I hope it will provide a catalyst for regeneration and development in Dursley.

"Once open I am sure the people of the town will soon grow to look upon it with the same affection as the old building."