Funding set to transform Clevedon Library

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Clevedon Library is set to be transformed following a successful bid for funding by North Somerset Council.

It means the popular well-used library will remain at its current location in Old Church Road for at least the next 10 years.

North Somerset Library Service has been awarded a grant of £215,900 by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sports, delivered by Arts Council England. 

Supplemented by match funding of £18,342 and in kind contributions from the council, it will enable a number of improvements to be made to the library building including:

  • creating a new multi-purpose meeting area for community groups and library customers
  • installing self-service technology enabling customers to use the library outside staffed opening hours
  • reducing the carbon footprint of the site with improvements to the heating, lighting, insulation and roof
  • making the library building more accessible for people with disabilities 
  • upgrading the toilets.

"This investment in the library is great news for Clevedon and its residents," said Cllr Mike Solomon, the council's executive member for neighbourhoods and community services.  

"It secures the building's future at its current site and will enable us to develop it as a community hub by creating a more flexible library space and facilities for businesses, partners and community groups to meet.

"Installing self-service technology has proved successful at other libraries and we should see an increase in use as customers will be able to access the library out of hours.

"As well as improving community access, the funding will help us lower our carbon footprint on site. Replacing the lighting and heating with low-carbon alternatives, along with works to the roof and insulation, will make the building more environmentally sustainable.

“I’d like to congratulate everyone involved, particularly the library service, in securing this funding. I realise the time and hard work that goes into such a bid, so thank you and well done."

Work on the improvements is due to start in the summer.

The council's bid for funding from the government's Libraries Improvement Fund was supported by Clevedon Town Council.

Town council chairman Cllr Judith West said: "The town council are delighted that this will secure the future of our library service in Clevedon for many years to come. We are proud to be working in partnership with the library service and many local organisations and community groups to make this building a much more active hub of community activity."