More than 1,200 new members, including 466 children have joined Midsomer Norton’s Library since it reopened last summer following a major revamp. Last year BANES Council invested £350,000 in the combined library and information service based at The Hollies in the High Street.
The redesign enables residents to access information, advice and services under one roof while providing a more flexible and useable space for the whole community. Since reopening last June it has been reported that 74,045 items have been borrowed, with more than half of the items borrowed by children. Councillor Paul Crossley, cabinet member for Community Services, said “It’s really encouraging to see so many people signing up to use our library in Midsomer Norton and I’m particularly pleased that many of them are children. Libraries are an important community resource and are really valued by local residents and I hope people continue to discover and make use of this fantastic resource.”
The redesigned library and information service offers free WiFi throughout, improved internet technology, improved access to printing including wireless technology, a quiet area to study and a new children’s area with comfortable seating and fun educational features. It also boasts a wider selection of books and easy access shelving. New touch screen technology also provides access to the vast LibraryWest catalogue of more than three million items.
One of the key aims of the Midsomer Norton Library team is community involvement and regular events and activities are held including Storytime and Baby Bounce and Rhyme sessions, which will return in the autumn. Staff are currently are preparing for this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. The annual event was hugely successful last year; 387 children took part and read a total of 1565 books.
To find out about this year’s Summer Reading Challenge visit your local library in Bath and North East Somerset or visit: https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/
Midsomer Norton Library and Information Service is open from Monday to Thursday 9.30am – 5pm, Fridays 9.30am – 4.30pm and Saturdays 9.30am – 1pm
- Posted: 4th July 2019