Local’s asked to contribute to design of Newton Abbot Library

The authority is asking people of Newton Abbot what facilities they would like to see in their new multi million pound library, learning and information hub next year.

Before Christmas the county council approved plans for a major £2.3 million extension and facelift for Newton Abbot Library.

This month the council is surveying local people in supermarkets across the town, and asking adult learners what sorts of facilities they would like their new library and learning centre to offer.

The ideas will contribute to a design that the council will consult people about later this summer.

Cllr Stuart Barker, the Council's Cabinet Member in charge of libraries, said:

"Our vision for 21st century libraries is to create community buildings that can be used for wider purposes. We'd like Newton Abbot's new library to include a range of other services including informal learning, and possibly some services delivered on behalf of district and town councils.

"As well as our friendly and knowledgeable staff, we want to include dedicated spaces for young people, much better IT facilities including WIFI, and better space for adult community learning and arts events."

And there will be better storage and display areas for the Railway Studies collection, which is the largest collection of railway studies material outside the National Railway Museum in York.

Cllr Barker added: "The current location of the library is ideally suited, but Newton Abbot needs a modern library that will meet the town's expected growth."

An additional 8,000 homes are proposed for Newton Abbot by 2026, which will substantially increase demand for library and learning facilities. Its estimated demand for adult learning could rise to 5,000 places per year.

The library currently receives over 180,000 visits annually, issuing around 160,000 items. The Council predicts that the new improved library will increase its use and membership by 50% in the first year following reopening.

The Council anticipates that the library could reopen in summer 2011.