30/10/2007
Toxteth library gets lotto cash
AN HISTORIC Liverpool library is to get a £1.3 million makeover - thanks to the Big Lottery Fund.
The city council has successfully bid for the cash to transform Toxteth Library so that it can offer a broader range of activities to the local community.
The library, on Windsor Street, was opened in 1902 and attracts over 1,000 people a week - but its facilities badly need updating.
The money will be spent on creating study areas, meeting rooms, exhibition space, community space, toilets, baby changing facilities, a refreshment area and a performance space.
Councillor Colin Eldridge, executive member for leisure at Liverpool City Council, said: "This is fantastic news for the community in Toxteth.
"We will be able to completely refurbish the building and involve local people in creating a centre all communities will be proud of - whether for meeting, reading, relaxing, studying or learning.
"We will have displays of best selling books as well as study material, and the latest computer technology to access the internet, email and word processing.
"We will be working closely with local groups to provide space for community activities to ensure that the library really is at the heart of Toxteth life and available to everyone."
A new learning programme will also be established including reading groups, homework sessions, IT training, skills for life and English for speakers of other languages.
Helen Bullough, Big Lottery Fund Head of Region for the North West, said: ''The creation of new library spaces in the North West will provide invaluable centres of learning and information.
"The new facilities will also act as focal points for community life at a time when more and more people are using libraries."
ENDS
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