Library is a triumph (From Gazette Series)

Library is a triumph

VISITS to Dursley's refurbished library almost doubled in February compared to the same month last year.

This encouraging statistic was announced at a ceremony last week to mark the controversial library's official opening.

Lady Mavis Dunrossil, chairman of Gloucestershire County Council, cut the ribbon at the event attended by more than 50 people from throughout the area.

Councillors, designers and planners behind the redevelopment received special thanks for their efforts, as did workers at the library.

Jan Rose, a service development librarian, said: "The new library is excellent.

"Comments from the press and our users have been very positive. Both young and older users are telling us it's a great place to be and how comfortable the space is."

The £875,000 library opened on Monday, February 6 and has seen visits increase by over 98 percent.

Cllr Margaret Nolder, county councillor for Cam and Dursley, said: "The Library at Dursley has certainly moved on since I began my local government career at the age of 17 in the old library.

"The new technological features like the plasma screens and the 12 free broadband PCs are great assets for local people, who richly deserve such up-to-the-minute facilities.

"I wasn't sure about its modern look at first though but I'm getting into it now."

The event was also attended by Annie Murray, an author who writes Birmingham-based family novels.

She said: "Libraries like this are not just about books - they're about the community. Libraries are real places for real people."