THE keys to Barnsley town centre’s new state-of-the-art library were handed over to the council on Wednesday ahead of its summer opening.
Henry Boot Construction, responsible for the build and the wider regeneration scheme known as The Glass Works, began working of the library’s construction in 2017.
Set over four floors, the Lightbox will provide a range of traditional and digital services as well as features that make it much more than a library.
Highlights include cutting-edge virtual reality, interactive story times, a raft of tablet and desktop computers, an events space and rooftop terrace.
Fully accessible, it will include a sanctuary room for people with autism and play host to a ‘Music and Memories’ group supported by the Alzheimer’s Society, designed for people living with dementia and their carers.
Visitors will also have access to a range of health and wellbeing services including adult social care, support for parents and counselling, as well as drop-in sessions with midwives and health visitors.
The Falco Lounge - adjacent to the library - will provide a new food and drink destination in the heart of the town centre.
Ryan O’Loughlin, project director at Henry Boot, said: “We are delighted to be part of Library @ the Lightbox’s delivery team, working collaboratively with the council, NPS Barnsley and IBI Architecture to deliver the project to the very highest standards.
“Sixty per cent of our project staff are from Barnsley and we have used local contractors wherever possible - the project has always had a community feel about it. We hope the people of Barnsley are as proud of it as we are.”
The internal fit out of the flagship ‘Library @ the Lightbox’ is now taking place ahead of its official opening on July 13 and cabinet spokesman Coun Jenny Platts said she is looking forward to seeing the public making full use of the ‘stunning’ building.
“I want to give special thanks to residents for their cooperation and patience while we’ve carried out this work,” she added.
“This modern and adaptable facility will be a welcoming hub for everyone to enjoy and will inspire families, individuals, community groups and the next generation to learn, discover and explore.
“The Library @ the Lightbox leads the council’s programme to provide better quality libraries across the borough, which meet the needs and expectations of today’s library users. It’s particularly exciting as we want to encourage more people to make the most of their local library.
“We are confident that this stunning facility will benefit and meet the needs of Barnsley people and visitors now and in the future.”
