GALLERY: Take a look around the new Coleraine Library

Coleraine Library reopened its doors to the public on Thursday after an extensive refurbishment project costing £2.3 million.

With funding from the Department for Communities, the Queen Street library reopened to the delight of members of the public who were able to see how the listed building had been transformed to meet the needs of a modern library service.

The refurbished Coleraine Library has undergone significant improvements with, most notably, the addition of a large three storey extension. A new entrance lobby with a passenger lift to all floors and additional accessible toilet facilities ensures public access to and inside the building is fully compliant with DDA requirements.

The extension has also allowed for improvements to a full range of modern facilities including a new multi-use meeting room and group space, exhibition space, an improved study area and a dedicated quiet heritage collection room with microfilm readers and printers to maximise the library’s heritage resources. The welcoming dedicated children’s area has been reimagined as a ‘Family Space’ and the entrance floor of the library has a ‘Living Room’ feel to entice users to stay.

The building has also benefited from improved insulation, replacement roof covering, a thermally efficient window and heating system, energy efficient lighting, reconfiguration of the internal layout and new decoration, fixtures and fittings throughout.

Refurbishment was undertaken with advice from planning and conservation experts to ensure the architectural heritage of the listed building was maintained.

Jean Fitzpatrick Area Manager Coleraine Library said; “I am delighted to reopen the doors to Coleraine Library following the extensive refurbishment. The transformation of the building provides a modern, attractive and fit for purpose community space to meet the needs of modern library users. The children’s library has been extended and the shelves are packed with a full range of new stock featuring current and in-demand items. I would encourage everyone to come along and find out about the services that are available and to join the library.”

To become a new library member, simply bring along a means of identification (which includes a home address) and then you can make use of the many free membership benefits.

For further information, contact Coleraine Library on telephone 028 7034 2561, email [email protected] or visit www.librariesni.org.uk.