Havering (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Havering Council plans to apply for a £499,000 Arts England grant to refurbish Romford Library, aiming to modernise facilities and enhance public access.
The award of £499,000 would be used to upgrade Romford Library’s “high-quality, durable design, fixtures, and fittings.”
In an attempt to save about £288,000 annually, the financially constrained council controversially decided to close three libraries in February. There were seven left open, including Romford.
The council states that it is “time to modernise Romford Library, as the current space, décor, and layout are outdated and no longer meet the evolving needs of our diverse and growing community.” The library underwent renovations in late 2008.
The council claims that the 60-year-old facility’s layout is “ineffective” and that it “lacks the warmth and inclusivity needed to welcome today’s users.” It “struggles” with seasonal temperatures because of “poor infrastructure” and does not have places that can be reserved for independent companies or community organizations.
The library will “grow alongside the community it serves” thanks to the renovations, which will include new quiet study places, “dynamic zones for children,” event space, and meeting pods, according to the council.
However, the investment is not yet assured.
Expressions of interest for the fourth round of the Libraries Improvement Fund are being accepted until May 30 by Arts Council England, which provides cultural subsidies to artists and organizations.
On June 24, organizations that have been accepted by the financing authority will receive an invitation to submit formal applications.
The council will forfeit £4,200 in consulting fees if it fails.
Two months following the closure of three of the borough’s ten libraries, the application was submitted.
On March 31, the council-owned libraries in Harold Wood, Gidea Park, and South Hornchurch closed their doors for good.
Havering said it was “crucial” that it did everything it could to make up for a £74 million budget gap, even though local activists claimed the £288,000 in savings was insignificant compared to the libraries’ social value.
How will the £499k funding improve the library’s facilities and services?
The money would probably be utilized for long-lasting, high-quality fixtures, fittings, and design, making the library more hospitable, accessible, and suitable for modern use.
In order to make the library a more appealing and practical place for studying and connecting, a large number of recent library development awards have been used to extend digital services, such as additional computers, self-service kiosks, loanable tablets, and enhanced Wi-Fi.
Improvements that increase a space’s accessibility for individuals with disabilities, such as improved lighting, ramps, and sensory-friendly areas, are frequently funded.
The investment might result in more adaptable communal spaces, including reading lounges, makerspaces, or exhibition rooms, which would promote greater community involvement and accommodate a greater variety of events and activities.
These funds are used by many libraries to update or enlarge their children’s sections, creating engaging spaces for young readers.