A LIBRARY is set for a major transformation with works beginning in the new year.

Work is already underway to prepare Kendal library for its refurbishment, with book collections and furniture being packed up and stored to create space for contractors to carry out the improvement works.

The much-loved library building will be redecorated and a new dedicated teaching space will be created for community learning and skills courses, improving the library’s ability to support community groups and activities.

The refurbishment will also include re-wiring the entire library and installing new lighting and heating systems in the older parts of the building.

The work is scheduled to commence in early January and is expected to be completed by the end of April 2021.

Whilst the work is underway, the library will continue to provide access to its services including ‘select and collect’ as well as access to computers, although customers will need to book a slot to access computers in advance.

The library will re-open on the afternoon of December 2 but will close the week beginning December 21 to allow preparations for the refurbishment works to start.

Councillor Deborah Earl, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities, said: “We know in the short-term these vital improvements may cause some disruption for our customers and we’re hoping to minimise this by keeping the first floor of the library open.

“We hope to have this service up and running from early January in time for the refurbishment works beginning.

“I am delighted that the council is investing in libraries all over Cumbria, they are such important community hubs that provide access to a wide range of essential services.

“The county council recognises how important libraries are to our local communities, and we are committed to investing and improving our library services to make them even better and as accessible as possible.”

Local library branches in Ambleside, Grange, Ulverston and Windermere will re-open with COVID-secure conditions at the end of the current lockdown, and work is underway to re-open branch library services in Kirkby Lonsdale, Milnthorpe and Sedbergh as soon as it is safe to do so.

The county council’s library service continues to offer a wide variety of online services. All library members can get free access to eBooks, audio books, magazines, newspapers and comics.