By Leah Conway –
Kirklees Libraries is officially opening a new community library in Birkby and Fartown this week.
The new library cost £799k and will be officially opened on Saturday 14 August. The Mayor of Kirklees, Councillor Nigel Patrick and Chief Librarian Carol Stump will unveil the plaque at 2pm.
The day is fille with fun activities including sculpting and drumming workshops. As well as a sensory storytime linked to this year’s South Asian Heritage Month.
The new Birkby and Fartown Library aims to serve as a hub. To be a safe space where all those in the local community can feel welcomed.
Online workshops, book reviews, photography, artwork and poems helped to identify the services local communities wanted to see in the new library.
Images and work from these activities have formed part of ‘The First Book in the Library.’ A copy will be gifted to the Mayor at the launch and the book will then go on display at Huddersfield Town Hall.
‘Vibrant, flexible and inclusive’
Councillor Paul Davies, Cabinet Member for Corporate said: “I look forward to the official opening of Birkby and Fartown Library this weekend. This is the culmination of local investment in a new build library where adults and children alike will benefit from the fantastic new space that includes a children’s area, IT facilities and a beautiful community garden. It also reflects our commitment to investing in libraries in Kirklees.”
Well-wishers who are unable to attend the official opening have been contacting Kirklees Libraries with best wishes for the big day. Special video messages from Sue Williamson, Director of Libraries at Arts Council England and Isobel Hunter, Chief Executive of Libraries Connected represent recognition from the wider world of libraries.
Carol Stump, Chief Librarian and President of Libraries Connected said: “I am incredibly excited that we will be opening a second new library as part of our plans to invest in Kirklees Libraries. We have created a vibrant, flexible, inclusive dementia-friendly space that is open for all. Staff have worked very hard to make this happen and look forward to welcoming visitors.”
The launch will be on Saturday 14 August 11am-2:30pm during normal opening hours, and everyone is welcome.
Volunteering at the new library
There are also opportunities to become a Library Volunteer, who will assist the library in serving the people and community. The library needs people to help on Tuesdays, Wednesdays Fridays and Saturdays. If you’re interested you can email the library at volunteer.recruitment@