The newly refreshed Mottingham Library reopened its doors to loyal customers and new users alike, as many residents came together to explore the new facilities at the reopening.
A podcasting studio, 3D printer and VR (Virtual Reality) headset drew much attention at the reopening as guests tried out the new ‘Transformation Library’ offering, which also includes a new Cubbie sensory pod facility, providing a calm and supportive setting for residents who need it.
The Mayor of Bromley cut the ribbon to officially reopen the library on Wednesday 26 November, and many smiling faces were then found admiring the library’s spaces, including the updated outdoor space with table tennis available. The bright new children’s library saw children’s author activities taking place with Rashmi Sirdeshpande, held in front of the attractive mural backdrop from artist Alice Pattullo.
The Mayor of Bromley, Councillor Jonathan Andrews said: “It was a delight to reopen Mottingham Library, which is clearly a much-loved space for local residents, who were eager to try out the exciting new facilities on offer. I was particularly impressed by the new Cubbie sensory pod, allowing users to take some quiet time out in a relaxing and adaptable space, and which further develops the library’s role as a welcoming space for autistic and other neurodivergent residents.”
Councillor Yvonne Bear, Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing said: “The transformation of Mottingham Library is a further success in our borough-wide library refurbishment programme and is yet more evidence of the wide-ranging offering we are making available through our library network to ensure residents have the support and provisions that they need. We know how popular our libraries have been following their refurbishments, and I am sure from the crowd that joined for the reopening, that Mottingham will follow this much-welcomed trend.”
Rebecca Gediking Head of GLL Libraries said: “We are grateful to have received £98,280 from the Arts Council England Libraries Improvement Fund, which, alongside the London Borough of Bromley’s investment in the refurbishment of Mottingham Library, has enabled us to create a truly modern and flexible Transformation Library. This combined support has allowed us to reimagine the space so it can continue to grow and adapt to the evolving needs and aspirations of our community.”
Alongside new facilities, essential repairs and upgrades were also delivered by partner contractor Longley Group in the new library, such as a new heating system, new flooring and a new accessible toilet, as part of the £11m borough-wide refurbishment programme. Funding was also successfully secured at Mottingham Library from Arts Council England to support the Transformation Library offering.
The completion of Mottingham Library’s refurbishment follows Chislehurst Library over the summer, and Burnt Ash, Beckenham, Southborough and St Paul’s Cray libraries before this, in addition to the major works at West Wickham Library. Orpington Library will be the next to reopen before the end of the year.
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For media enquiries, please contact James George, Public Affairs, on 020 8313 4565 or email james.george@bromley.gov.uk.