Library plans are bang on target

The new facility, which will see the services currently provided from two sites on Drury Lane and Balne Lane combined, is due to open in autumn next year in Wakefield One - the new civic office building behind County Hall and in the Merchant Gate development.

Coun David Dagger, Cabinet Member responsible for libraries, said: “We are really looking forward to welcoming people into the new central library which will provide an excellent service in a modern building.

“It is inevitable that some services will be disrupted during the change-over to the new building, but we will keep these to a minimum and I’m sure the long-term benefits will outweigh the short-term inconvenience.”

Wakefield Museum will also move into the space to create an innovative combined service with the library’s Local Studies department.

The new central library will be spread over 2,000 square metres and two floors and will provide access to around 60,000 books, more than 60 PCs, audio visual material, study and learning and lounge spaces.

As part of the work required to prepare the new central library for opening, some temporary changes to service provision are necessary. Balne Lane Learning and Local Studies Library will close to the public on January 28 so staff can be deployed on preparing for the new central library. Stock and services currently accessible at the Learning and Local Studies Library will be available from Drury Lane Library on a next day reservation service, providing the stock is not on loan already. Microfilm and microfiche equipment and stock, along with a museum display and information on Wakefield One, will also be available in Drury Lane Library which will remain open as normal until just before the opening of Wakefield One.