By KLTV Newsdesk
Kirklees Council has announced it will approve funding to invest £799k in a new library building for residents of Birkby Fartown.
The new building will have full disabled access and will be designed to be dementia-friendly.
It will feature dedicated areas for children, study, and self service, as well as IT provision and a community garden.
A site near Birkby Junior School has been selected for the new library building.
The council says the internal layout is designed to be flexible to accommodate activities and special events and can be used for multiple purposes including for polling during elections.
As with any library the facility will be free to use and there will be promotion for healthy lifestyles as well as work placement and volunteering opportunities.
The council also says the library will also support the school curriculum through the selection of its books and will provide a safe space in which to learn.
Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Corporate said: “We have exciting plans to introduce a community library in Birkby Fartown and I am delighted with the announcement of this investment.
“Our libraries are the focus point of many communities in Kirklees and it’s vital that we invest in these community assets so that residents can reap the benefits of a community library.
“As a cabinet and council we have made a commitment to invest in our library service and its buildings, and this is the first part of our investment plans.
“I am proud that I have been able to help facilitate the first purpose-built library for many years, and I am sure that the residents of Birkby will look forward to taking advantage of this exciting new facility.
“By making this investment we can provide support for the future development of our children so they can aspire to be the best they can be.”
Despite the current Covid-19 restrictions, building works are due to commence in November with completion planned for spring 2021.