Work progresses on £900K Heanor library

The literati of Amber Valley will soon have a new place to feed their thirst for knowledge as work is progressing on a new £900,000 purpose-built library.
Building for the future: Derbyshire County Councilâ¬"s Cabinet Member for Health and Communities Councillor Dave Allen checks out the plans for Heanorâ¬"s new library on site with senior libraries manager Julie Stirland.Building for the future: Derbyshire County Councilâ¬"s Cabinet Member for Health and Communities Councillor Dave Allen checks out the plans for Heanorâ¬"s new library on site with senior libraries manager Julie Stirland.
Building for the future: Derbyshire County Councilâ¬"s Cabinet Member for Health and Communities Councillor Dave Allen checks out the plans for Heanorâ¬"s new library on site with senior libraries manager Julie Stirland.

The site in Ilkeston Road, Heanor, has now been cleared and final ground testing checks are being carried out before the foundations are installed.

The new building, which is costing Derbyshire County Council £892,500 will feature an improved children’s library, a health and wellbeing zone, custom-built area for people to use free-access computers and communal seating and study areas.

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It will also feature a local studies section, audio book loan, self-service points and areas for public events such as author visits.

Cabinet member for health and communities Councillor Dave Allen said: “We’re delighted to be able to open modern library with a wide range of improved facilities and accessible services for the residents of Heanor.

“This decision shows our commitment to providing high quality services in the town which are fit for the future while also providing taxpayers with the best value for money. To keep repairing the existing building was no longer cost effective.”

A structural engineer’s report last April recommended the existing 1950s timber framed library should be closed on safety grounds unless it was immediately renovated – a project which would cost more than providing a brand new building.

The council hopes the new building will open in June.