Temporary library space opens in Marlow

Nicky Willis (Customer Service Officer), Cllr Alex Collingwood and Michelle Sandalls (Library Manager) inside the new temporary library space in Marlow. (Image supplied by Buckinghamshire Council)

A temporary library space opened in Marlow on Tuesday 21st July 2020 while a major refurbishment of Marlow Library takes place.

The temporary library space is in the former children’s centre building beside Sandygate School in Sandygate Road, Marlow, SL7 3AZ. The site will be open to the public from 9.30am to 12.30pm fromTuesday to Saturday.

Computer hire and DVD loans won’t be available in the temporary library space, however customers will be able to loan and return books, as well as have information enquiries answered.

Work started on the next chapter in the transformation of Marlow Library on Monday 13th July 2020. The work includes a complete remodel and refurbishment of the building.

The building works will be completed within 14 weeks and library staff look forward to welcoming customers to a fresh, attractive and modern library with the addition of some exciting new features and plenty of new books.

Once completed, the new library will boast improved computer facilities, a new meeting room, self-service technology and loanable tablets. There will also be a bigger and better children’s space with bold colours, lots of low comfortable seating and bean bags, themed seating and a sensory StoryWall®.

An artist will also be commissioned to enhance the distinctive interior design with an original installation inspired by Marlow’s unique identity.

All shelving and furniture will be replaced and the library will be redecorated throughout.

Cllr Gareth Williams, Cabinet Member for Communities & Public Health, said: ‘I’m pleased that we’ve been able to maintain our lending services to local customers while the Marlow Library refurbishment works take place.

Once it reopens later this year, the new library will provide a wonderful new space with some of the latest technology, and will also serve as a Council Access Point providing residents and visitors with information about and access to wider Buckinghamshire Council services.‘

Alex Collingwood, a local Marlow councillor, said: ‘Today marks an important step in the development of Marlow Library. This refurbishment project is an exciting initiative that will transform the library, and once completed, I’m sure the new library will become the heart of the community.‘

Further information on Marlow Library can be found on the Buckinghamshire Council website at www.buckscc.gov.uk/services/libraries/find-a-library/marlow.

*Source of article : Press release from Buckinghamshire Council.