A new community library in Birkby and Fartown – built at a cost of almost £800,000 – will open on Saturday August 14.
The Mayor of Kirklees Clr Nigel Patrick will join chief librarian Carol Stump with the unveiling of a plaque at 2pm. Fun-filled activities on the day will include sculpting and drumming workshops, and a sensory story time linked to this year’s South Asian Heritage Month.
Birkby and Fartown Library will serve as a hub for the local community and will also provide a safe and welcome space for migrants.
Online workshops, book reviews, photography, artwork and poems helped to identify the services local communities wanted to see in the new library.
Images and work from these activities have formed part of ‘The First Book in the Library’, a copy of which will be gifted to the mayor at the launch. The book will then go on display at Huddersfield Town Hall.
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Clr Paul Davies, Cabinet Member for Corporate, said: “This is the culmination of local investment in a new build library where adults and children alike will benefit from the fantastic new space that includes a children’s area, IT facilities and a beautiful community garden. It also reflects our commitment to investing in libraries in Kirklees.”
Well-wishers who are unable to attend the official opening have been contacting Kirklees Libraries with best wishes for the big day. Special video messages from Sue Williamson, director of libraries at Arts Council England and Isobel Hunter, chief executive of Libraries Connected, represent recognition from the wider world of libraries.
Ms Stump, also president of Libraries Connected, said: “I am incredibly excited that we will be opening a second new library as part of our plans to invest in Kirklees Libraries.
“We have created a vibrant, flexible, inclusive dementia friendly space that is open for all. Staff have worked very hard to make this happen and look forward to welcoming visitors.”
The launch will be on Saturday August 14 11am-2.30pm during normal opening hours, and everyone is welcome.
Could you be a library volunteer?
Libraries aren’t just about reading, they’re about people and the communities they serve. If you like reaching out to people and have some spare time, then Kirklees Council would like you to consider becoming a library volunteer.
They need people to help on Tuesdays, Wednesdays Fridays and Saturdays. Email volunteer.recruitment@kirklees.gov.uk or call 01484 414868 and ask for Huddersfield Library.
