Library on schedule (From Gazette Series)

Library on schedule

EXCITING plans to make Dursley's new library an attractive place to visit were revealed for the first time this week.

The controversial new library at May Lane, due to open just before Christmas, will cover more floor space, have more books and better technology for library users.

To be known as The Library, the site will cover approximately 500sq metres on two floors, compared to 167sq metres covered by the old library on the same site.

In addition to the £875,000 building costs, Gloucestershire County Council has spent £80,000 on new books and users will have access to 12 computers. As well as being able to hire CDs and DVDs, visitors will also be able to hire Game Boy games.

Presenting the plans to Dursley Town Council on Tuesday, John Holland, Gloucestershire County Council's assistant head of libraries and information, said the project was on target to open on December 20.

"It is a very exciting project for us - it is the first library we have opened since the early 1990s," he said.

"We know it is going to attract an enormous level of attention and we expect user numbers to rise. It will feel very modern - we are trying to attract people. I think it is going to be a unique and attractive building."

The first floor of the building will be used by various agencies including Stroud District Council, the GL11 project, Gloucestershire Learning Community and the Citizens' Advice Bureau. Community groups are also expected to make use of a large meeting room.

Added Mr Holland: "Although we have a number of agencies signed up at the moment we expect usage to grow."

Area manager Mary Tucker said once the new library had opened an increase in business was expected.

"The intention in the layout is to make it an interesting place to come," she said.

"We are looking to improve business in Dursley and we have a target of increasing book issues by five percent, which I feel is achievable. This means 500 more items on loan at any one time.

"In order to bring more people in we are extending the opening hours by ten, from 33 to 43. This will include lunchtime opening, Monday opening and opening at 9.30am."

Despite welcoming the plans, some councillors still expressed concerns about the design of the building.

Cllr Timothy Frankau said: "Bits of it are looking good but by virtue of it looking onto the bus station it will be a target for stones to be thrown at it and it will become a graffiti wall."

Cllr Lorraine Patrick said: "I am delighted we are getting more books - that was needed. But I am still totally depressed about the exterior - it looks like a waste bin."