The new Hyson Green library, recently relocated to the Mary Potter Centre, will be officially opened by the Lord Mayor on Monday 7 December at 1pm.
The official opening event will also be attended by pupils from two local primary schools, St Mary’s Catholic Primary and Bentinck Primary, who will be entertained by local magician, Jeffrey Jumper, from 1.15pm.
Hyson Green Library relocated to its new accommodation in the Mary Potter Joint Service Centre in November. The new library brings a host of benefits for local people. It is modern, open plan and provides improved computer access and equipment, including free WiFi. There is also a dedicated under 5s children’s area and the library is open for longer hours. The new library also offers opportunities for a greater range of activities and events for all ages.
The ‘one stop shop’ approach of locating numerous services (council, housing and health) in one Joint Service Centre has proved to be popular and increases local people’s access to services. For example, the number of local people using library services in Bulwell increased significantly following the opening of the Bulwell Riverside Joint Service Centre in 2012 where the local library is co-located with other services within the same building. It is hoped the same will happen in Hyson Green.
The former Hyson Green library building on Gregory Boulevard closed to the public on Saturday 7 November and is currently being decommissioned by Nottingham City Council. It will then be handed over to New Art Exchange with whom Nottingham City Council has been working together to look at sustainable uses for the building that will benefit the local community. New Art Exchange is well established in Hyson Green and is located next to the former Hyson Green Library building, so is well positioned to lead this work.
Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture, Councillor Dave Trimble, said, “At a time when many councils across the country are closing their libraries, we continue to invest in our library service because we know how important this service is for local communities. Libraries help to improve children’s literacy, they support job seekers in their search for employment, they provide access to the internet to people who wouldn’t otherwise have it, and they are a vital hub within the community, offering access to information and many other resources.”
“It’s great news that the Hyson Green Library has relocated to the Mary Potter Centre. Library customers will enjoy improved modern facilities in the new building, as well as the convenience of being able to access several services under one roof. We expect that this move will encourage more people in Hyson Green to make the most of their local library.”