Bridlington Central Library will reopen later this month after a major £250,000 refurbishment. Its ground floor has been modernised with state-of-the-art equipment over the three-and-a-half month project.
The library has been remodelled to maximise the space, decorated and new lighting has been installed.
Shelving and furniture have been upgraded to give the library a “light and modern feel without losing its character”, with East Riding Council saying it will improve the overall user experience.
The junior library has been moved to the rear of the building and features a bespoke sensory area. There is also a dedicated space for community groups and events with “living wall” panels to bring greenery indoors and help to absorb carbon dioxide.
Booths have been installed on the ground and first floor as a quiet space to work and study. On the first floor there is now a dedicated Health Zone where customers can attend health and wellbeing checks and body composition scans in privacy.
A specialised “makerspace” for small and emerging businesses to grow and flourish within Bridlington and the East Riding is also being created at the library.
Work to install the makerspace equipment on the newly refurbished first floor can now begin, with opening scheduled for later this year.
The makerspace will be equipped with tools such as 3D printers, embroidery machines, and game design software for local entrepreneurs and creators to thrive.
Councillor Nick Coultish, cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism at East Riding of Yorkshire Council said: ‘’We are extremely pleased to announce the reopening of Bridlington Central Library. The library means a lot to local residents and provides a much-needed community space which fosters education, imagination and connection with others.
‘’The upgrades are fantastic and we are sure that everyone will be pleased to explore the new and improved space which has transformed the library into a modern environment, focussing on a premium customer experience.
‘’We look forward to unveiling our state-of-the-art makerspace later this year, which will further enhance the library’s offerings.’’
The project received £250,000 funding from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Libraries Improvement Fund and along with additional council funding.
The funding will also be used to update Bridlington North Library which will be announced at a later date.
Bridlington Central Library closed on March 29 and will be open to the public again from Monday (July 14).
Find out more here.