Chislehurst Library is now open to the public following the completion of extensive refurbishment work, with over a thousand visitors being welcomed into the space to enjoy the new facilities.
Chislehurst is the fifth library to re-open as part of the £11 million initiative to modernise libraries across the borough through repair works and replacement of fixtures and fittings that have reached the end of their useful life.
Both existing and new library members gathered to celebrate the improved facilities which include a new roof installation, replacement of all windows, a new heating system, and an accessible public toilet. Children are also welcomed into their own space which has been redecorated with a bright mural which focuses on Chislehurst.
The renovated facilities are already attracting more visitors with over 60 new library members joining the library since Chislehurst library opened. There has also been over 1700 library visits and 1800 library books borrowed in just over a week of the library’s reopening, underlining how busy and popular the space is.
Leading the celebrations and officially reopening the library was the Mayor of Bromley, Councillor Jonathan Andrews, who said, “It was a great pleasure to reopen this much-loved library, and it is fantastic to see further investments made into our libraries across the borough. It is also exciting to know that we are welcoming more visitors into these newly refurbished libraries, with over 60 new members so far at Chislehurst alone.”
Councillor Yvonne Bear, Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing, said: “We are making rapid progress on delivering these improvements and repairs across our much-loved library network. By making this investment now, we are able to reduce our future maintenance costs, while ensuring our libraries are equipped for years to come to deliver the high-quality services that residents deserve.”
Library members of all ages were welcomed back into a familiar space to bask in the new improvements. From the children who listened avidly during story time led by celebrated author Cerrie Burnell, to older members part of the local knitting club “Knit & Knot”, who returned to settle into the enhanced home of their fortnightly sessions.
Rebecca Gediking, Head of Libraries for GLL has said, “We were really delighted to host author Cerrie Burnell, formerly of CBeebies fame, who brought some magic and sparkle to the launch of the newly-refurbished Chislehurst Library. Cerrie read from her book, ‘Unicorn Seekers: Map of Lost Unicorns’ and told us how to spot a unicorn! It was a really magical event!”
The completion of Chislehurst’s refurbishment follows Burnt Ash, Beckenham, Southborough and St Paul’s Cray libraries, in addition to the major works at West Wickham Library. Orpington and Mottingham libraries will be the next to reopen following their closures for refurbishment earlier this year.
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For media enquiries, please contact James George and Oluwatomisin Alao, Public Affairs, on 020 8313 4565 or email james.george@bromley.gov.uk.