Worthing Library Refurb Almost Complete

Thursday, 20 May 2021 15:00

By Jade McLean

The new Worthing Library is set to re-open next month, following a full refurbishment.

The new-look library will be open to customers at 9am on Tuesday, June 22nd and puts multiple services under one roof, including: West Sussex County Council Registration Services, Children and Family Services, Find it Out and Youth Emotional Support Services and an enhanced Library Service.

New facilities will also be housed in the Library, including:

Flexible meeting rooms hosting a wide range of services and community support groups
An inclusive Changing Places toilet on the ground floor;
A private meeting pod, Quiet Zone, study bar and personal study desks, which will allow space for those who prefer to study in quiet, work as a group, or in private;
A suite of custom-designed Registration rooms with a dedicated, comfortable waiting area;
A specialist antenatal room for midwifery clinic appointments.

There will also be a large selection of brand-new books in a bright, modern and COVID-secure space.

The temporary Library at 37 Richmond Road will close at 4.30pm on Saturday, June 12 so that equipment, books and other items can be moved back to the main library.

To help minimise disruption to customers during this essential closure the following arrangements will be in place:

Loan dates will be extended so no items are due for return while the temporary library is closed, and there are currently no overdue charges for outstanding items;
Customers can reserve and renew items via the West Sussex Libraries website and can also return items to any other West Sussex library;
The eLibrary is available 24/7 and provides a vast collection of eAudiobooks, eBooks, eComics, eMagazines and eNewspapers;
All West Sussex Libraries are currently offering pre-booked computer sessions;
A wide range of services are available online from home.

Russell Allen, Head of Libraries and Heritage at West Sussex County Council said:

"This project has been a long time in the making, with the pandemic causing some unexpected delays, but now that we are ready to open our doors and welcome residents inside, the timing couldn't feel more right.

"All of the services that will share space in the new-look Library will support the community in coming back together, safely returning to the things we have missed, especially the chance to be with others; this is exactly what the library has been designed to enable."

For more information, visit the online guide to the new library, phone Worthing Library on 01903 704809, email them directly at worthing.library@westsussex.gov.uk or follow the library service on Twitter and Facebook.