Exciting plans for Ottery St Mary’s long-awaited new library are on display
Former NatWest Bank building in Ottery has been earmarked as the new library site - Credit: Archant
Members of the public invited to give their views on proposals
Exciting new plans for the long-awaited library in Ottery St Mary will be revealed this week and people are invited to give their feedback.
A dedicated ‘teen zone’, a ‘bigger and better’ children’s area, greater selection of books, more reading space and step-free access are among the benefits being proposed for the facility’s relocation to the former NatWest Bank premises in Silver Street.
Libraries Unlimited - the social enterprise responsible for running Devon’s libraries - have put plans for the layout of the new library on display as part of a two-week consultation and members of the public are invited to give their views by Friday, October 7.
Ciara Eastell, chief executive of Libraries Unlimited, said: “This is a really exciting time for us and for the town, which has been in need of a new library for some time.
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“We are really pleased to be able to invite members of the public to come and have their say on how they would like their new library to look and operate.
“These current plans have taken into account previous public feedback and as a social enterprise it’s our aim to deliver a welcoming, modern new library that meets the needs of its users.
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“The relocated library will not only have greatly improved accessibility for those with reduced mobility and bringing children with pushchairs, but it will also offer better facilities for all visitors. We hope that the new and improved services will encourage even greater usage of the town’s library by all ages.”
Ottery Town Council spent £139,500 on the former NatWest building as a potential new library for the town and is planning to provide public toilets and the tourist information centre as part of its renovation.
Libraries Unlimited says the new premises will also offer a flexible town centre space for hire and events, as well as DVD hire, free Wi-Fi and a selection of computes with internet and Microsoft Office available for public use.
Residents and library users are encouraged to take a look at the plans on display in the current library, in The Flexton, and leave feedback and ideas, or email projects@librariesunlimited.org.uk by Friday, October 7.
