People in Stapleford are looking forward to seeing a new and improved library. The ‘beneficial’ changes costing £741,000 mean that as of February 28, 2023, the library will be closed until June.
The library’s regeneration is one of six projects being funded by the £21.1 million from the Stapleford Towns Fund. The library, run by Inspire and owned by Nottinghamshire County Council, will have a whole new look in the summer.
In the area, people are happy to hear that improvements are being made to the town and look forward to seeing the new library in the summer.
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John Reece, 58 who now retired and from Bramcote, said: “I’ve been to the library a few times. I’m happy to hear it's being done up. It’ll be beneficial for people who use it often and, most importantly, children.”
John continued and said: “Libraries are important spaces. As we’ve seen in the past few months, many of them have been used as warm hubs and people still use them. Free services are important.”
Other projects that will happen as a result of the millions of pounds Stapleford have received include a £6.4 million community centre. Previously, it has been reported that the community centre will hopefully become the ‘heart’ of the town.
The nearest libraries now for people who used the one in Stapleford will be: the Toton Library, Inham Nook Library and the Beeston Library. Bethany Dean, 24, a student who lives in Stapleford, said: “I’ve used the library a few times to use the printers. I think it’s positive that the library will have an upgraded look and that Stapleford will have more improvements across the town.”
Bethany continued and said: “Hopefully the improvements will mean more people will use the town because a lot of people I know go elsewhere for shopping and other facilities.”
Arthur Jones, 66 lives in Trowell. Now retired, Arthur often comes to Stapleford.
He said: “I’m fond of all the changes that are happening in the area. The Ilkeston Recreation Ground’s cycle project sounds fantastic and, even though the library being closed until June may be a bit of a bother to others, it isn’t forever and the changes made will be noticeable.”
Independent Councillor for Stapleford North, Richard MacRae said: “Obviously it’s [the library] closing because it’s having a lot of money spent on it. That’s the money that’s come from the Stapleford Towns Fund £21m.
“It’s going to offer better facilities. It’s going to offer better opportunities for training because that’s another thing, libraries are big buildings. It's not just about what books you can rent out or read, it’s about what else it can be used for.
"It’s going to be used for training courses and various sessions to help and support people - that’s important as well. It’s sad it’s closing but it’s only temporary. It opens again in a couple of months. We are thankful for the government that has given us that funding which we’ve been able to do with the Stapleford Town Funding projects. “
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