Norfolk and Norwich Millennium library shut until July as work starts on £1.3m revamp |
Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library, based in the Forum in the city, closed its doors on Sunday (April 26) and will not reopen until the middle of July.
The Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library (Image: Luke Witcomb / Norfolk County Council)
From Tuesday, May 5, the council's library team will continue to provide some services during the closure from a temporary pop-up space in the Forum.
That will allow the public to borrow and return items, with a selection of Millennium Library stock for adults and children, although most of the library's stock will be put in storage during the refurbishment.
However, reservations from other Norfolk libraries will also be available to pick up, and Millennium Library loans are being extended until the middle of July.
Many of the library’s regular groups and activities will continue in the Gallery at the Forum.
The Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library, in The Forum, has closed for three months (Image: Antony Kelly)
The revamp, in the year of the library's 25th anniversary will see the early years library revamped, with dragon and river-themed furniture, while the eight-plus and teen sections will get new dedicated homes.
There are also plans for a bookshop-style entrance for easy browsing and an increase in study space, primarily on the first floor.
Shelving units will be lowered, and there will be a new gathering space for events such as author talks and group activities.
Council bosses also promise better lighting and improved furniture, with built-in power and USB ports.
Bosses had hoped to keep parts of the library open during the revamp, but decided a total closure was needed to ensure public safety, to get the work done more rapidly and to cut the cost.
Sarah Hassan, head of libraries development at Conservative-run County Hall, said: "By carrying out the work during a single closure period, we can complete the project more efficiently and safely.
"We recognise that this will cause some disruption and we are grateful to our library users for their patience while we work to improve the library for the future.”
This work will only affect the library. The rest of the Forum and its businesses, including Bar Marzano, Pizza Express and On The Stall City will remain open.