DODWORTH will become the first library across Barnsley to be modernised through a £1m funding package as a result of the success of the town centre’s new facility.

Library @ the Lightbox, which opened last summer, has been well-received according to a report which went before ruling cabinet members on Wednesday.

Given its success, community libraries in Athersley, Cudworth, Darfield, Goldthorpe, Grimethorpe, Hoyland, Lundwood, Mapplewell, Penistone, Royston, Thurnscoe, Wombwell and Worsbrough will all receive work as part of the council’s three-year library strategy, which runs until 2022.

But it will be Dodworth’s, on High Street, which is first on the to-do list, with each library tailoring their offer to boost their respective communities through refurbishment schemes.

Coun Jenny Platts, cabinet spokesperson for communities, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for our Barnsley libraries to tailor their spaces to suit the needs of our residents.

“I would encourage residents to provide their feedback within their areas to make sure we create an innovative space that is utilised by our communities.

“A series of workshops will be taking place for residents to engage in discussions around the upgrade and provide their feedback.”