Why move the library? – Stotfold Library consultation
Consultation closed: Thursday, 28 July, 2022
Consultation opened: Thursday, 5 May, 2022
A new venue provides space for a bigger, modern, library in a community hub at the heart of the community.
The current building is old and, due to its age, has many ongoing maintenance issues including building, mechanical and electrical problems. To maintain the building to an adequate level would require considerable funding from us. Due to the size of the library, there is also little scope for a reconfiguration or development. With limited parking and inside space, the library service finds it difficult to hold the types of popular events other libraries host in Central Bedfordshire. The lease for the current library at the Simpson Centre ends in 2026.
Based on these factors and issues relating to low usage levels of the Greenacre Centre, Stotfold Town Council approached us about relocating the library service to the Greenacre Centre and we now want to hear your views on the proposals.
The benefits
Having looked at a range of factors, the new location in the Greenacre Centre Hall would provide a much better library service for Stotfold residents.
The plans would include significant improvements to the look and feel of the library with new furniture and equipment in a much larger space compared to the existing arrangements. This means the library services can be expanded for the benefit of the community.
The current library does not have public toilets, although customers can use the staff toilet. The Greenacre Centre has accessible public toilets, all built to modern standards.
There would be scope to hold a range of events given the additional space and available parking. The popular, privately run café (Box of Cakes), which operates next to the existing library building would also be re-located into the Greenacre Centre.
With the growth in the local area and new housing developments, the library has the potential to become a bigger part of the community. Libraries have a key role to play as community hubs, as they create a freely accessible focal point for communities. The proposed new location alongside other services would potentially enhance this role.
It would also help secure the long-term future provision of library services in Stotfold.
Improved library services
The Greenacre Centre has strong sustainability credentials such as a computer-controlled building management system to monitor and regulate energy usage. It is also a relatively new build not requiring maintenance or repair. This means we can concentrate capital investment on improving the customer experience by upgrading the furniture, fixings and equipment to provide a modern, attractive facility for the benefit of residents. We can also provide more books, giving users greater choice.
We plan to include increased study space, provide a better IT zone and offer improved Wi-Fi coverage. This would support people without internet access at home or those wanting to use a PC or access high-speed internet. This super-fast internet would enable library users to quickly find information, services and educational and skills opportunities online.
The library would have better branding and signage which would assist customers in using the services. It would have improved zoning to help people to the right area and completely new shelving aligned to the new layout. There would be new flooring, furniture, and shelving to match that at Dunstable Library making it more modern and attractive. There would be more natural light and better ventilation, which would make it a better environment to read, relax and browse.
Plans include modern self-service machines which automatically identify and track books and there would be contactless as well as cash payment options. A familiar full-size self-service machine would be near the entrance with tablet sized self-service options in other area.
There would be increased security and safeguarding for customers and staff, as CCTV and door access control would be installed as part of this project.
The new library design incorporates café seating within the layout (a first for one of our libraries) and has included a café built into its design and space.