Blaydon Library celebrates reopening alongside community partners
Gateshead Libraries celebrated the reopening of Blaydon Library alongside community partners yesterday (Wednesday 24 September). MP for Blaydon and Consett Liz Twist was amongst those marking the much-loved space being back open to serve the community.
As part of the event, Ms Twist joined the Mayor of Gateshead, Councillor Freda Geddes, Mayor's Consort, Councillor Alex Geddes, Cabinet Member for Culture Sport and Tourism, Councillor Angela Douglas, and local ward members on a tour to hear about the library's new facilities and the services being offered to local residents.
As part of its refurbishment, Blaydon Library has had more than just a lick of paint. It has been transformed into a much more welcoming space, complete with new furniture, better shelving and space for small groups to meet.
Younger members, schools and families have been welcomed back with a transformed children's area, decorated with artwork from local author and illustrator, Gemma Koomen. For the first time ever, teenagers now also have their own dedicated section of the library where they can spend time, make new friends and study.
In another major improvement Citizen's Advice Gateshead now have a base on site, meaning residents living in the west can access their free, confidential and impartial advice on a wide range of issues including benefits, housing, debt, employment and family matters closer to home.
Councillor Douglas shared: "It has been wonderful to officially welcome communities back to the new and improved Blaydon Library. It is now a fantastic, modern space with even more facilities for those in the area. As people have walked through the doors today, it has been touching to see the positive reaction from those it is here to serve.
This initiative is a great example of how Gateshead Libraries are always evolving their spaces and what they offer for residents. There really has never been a better time to Discover More at your local library."
Ms Twist added: "A refurbished Blaydon Library is a great asset to the communities in the west of Gateshead. It is a welcoming space that provides a lifeline for many. It was great to see the new and improved space and I'm excited for residents to experience it. The newly renovated library is also a great community space that is helping to tie community support together, keep an eye out for all of the exciting opportunities coming up to get involved".
Blaydon is the fourth and final Gateshead library to have been refurbished thanks to funding from the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund.
Gateshead Libraries celebrated the reopening of Blaydon Library alongside community partners yesterday (Wednesday 24 September). MP for Blaydon and Consett Liz Twist was amongst those marking the much-loved space being back open to serve the community.
As part of the event, Ms Twist joined the Mayor of Gateshead, Councillor Freda Geddes, Mayor's Consort, Councillor Alex Geddes, Cabinet Member for Culture Sport and Tourism, Councillor Angela Douglas, and local ward members on a tour to hear about the library's new facilities and the services being offered to local residents.
As part of its refurbishment, Blaydon Library has had more than just a lick of paint. It has been transformed into a much more welcoming space, complete with new furniture, better shelving and space for small groups to meet.
Younger members, schools and families have been welcomed back with a transformed children's area, decorated with artwork from local author and illustrator, Gemma Koomen. For the first time ever, teenagers now also have their own dedicated section of the library where they can spend time, make new friends and study.
In another major improvement Citizen's Advice Gateshead now have a base on site, meaning residents living in the west can access their free, confidential and impartial advice on a wide range of issues including benefits, housing, debt, employment and family matters closer to home.
Councillor Douglas shared: "It has been wonderful to officially welcome communities back to the new and improved Blaydon Library. It is now a fantastic, modern space with even more facilities for those in the area. As people have walked through the doors today, it has been touching to see the positive reaction from those it is here to serve.
This initiative is a great example of how Gateshead Libraries are always evolving their spaces and what they offer for residents. There really has never been a better time to Discover More at your local library."
Ms Twist added: "A refurbished Blaydon Library is a great asset to the communities in the west of Gateshead. It is a welcoming space that provides a lifeline for many. It was great to see the new and improved space and I'm excited for residents to experience it. The newly renovated library is also a great community space that is helping to tie community support together, keep an eye out for all of the exciting opportunities coming up to get involved".
Blaydon is the fourth and final Gateshead library to have been refurbished thanks to funding from the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund.
