Tooting Library Re-opens! (From Surrey Comet)

Tooting Library Re-opens!

9:25pm Thursday 25th February 2010 in

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By Community Correspondent Jennifer Pinto

After months of waiting and much anticipation, the newly refurbished Tooting Library finally opened its doors on Monday 22nd February to all the public. The library started refurbishment back in October 2009 to undergo transformation which was much needed. It is estimated that a magnificent £3m was spent on the library's new look.

The layout of the library has completely changed, with better use of existing space. The adult and Asian community section is held on the ground floor, with the children’s library, teenage area, computer room and study space on the first floor. The children's library also has a separate area for young people, and there are self-service terminals on the ground floor. Some of the changes include, improved lighting and heating, more toilet facilities and a lift to provide access to the upper floors.

Half of the funding for the cost of the refurbishment was met by the council and half by the Big Lottery Fund. The council also formed the Tooting Library Management Advisory Committee to make sure local people had input into the plans. Monthly public meetings were held to discuss the management of the library and they will continue to be held regularly, so that users have a say in how the new library is run.

On visiting the library on Monday afternoon it was busy with adults, children and mums with their young babies. They all seemed very happy with the new library. A member of the library commented “Wow, the library just looks fantastic; it was in much need of refurbishment. I am amazed by the self-service machine; it saves a lot of time, although it takes some getting used to!”

The library was originally built in 1902 thanks to funding from the outgoing mayor of Wandsworth, William Lancaster and the library still lives on 108 years later! So if you want to take a look at the newly refurbished library head down to Tooting and see for yourself!