The perfect modern classic - in Darlington

When Darlington Borough Council wanted to move the town’s main library from its original Victorian building to a leisure centre - to save an estimated £300,000 per year - there was a public outcry and a legal challenge mounted by protesters.

Although the legal challenge was unsuccessful, the strength of public opinion against the move persuaded the Council to rethink its plans. The old building in Crown Street was later restored, revamped and reimagined as a library for the 21st century. It reopened in September 2023 - remodelled and reinvigorated at a cost of £3.7 million.

Local people love what’s been done. Here’s a fairly typical customer comment: “I always liked the library as it was but now I think it’s fantastic. All inclusive.”

Staff like the changes, too. One said: “It’s lovely to see people marvelling at the way in which the old and new have been perfectly blended, and the beautiful colours in the decor which have made it a pleasant place to be.”

Another commented: “It’s been wonderful to see people of all ages relaxing, studying or just taking time to read.”

Library Manager and former children’s librarian Suzy Hill had worked at the library for 10 years before the renovation. She said the new-look library had been “a huge uplift” which certainly had the wow factor: “I can honestly say I have not received a single adverse comment since we reopened.”

The library originally opened in 1885, thanks to Quaker benefactor Sir Edward Pease who left £10,000 in his will to build a free public library which the Town Council would run in perpetuity. The library was extended in the 1930s but by the early 21st century the building was tired, attracting some anti-social behaviour, and in need of structural work. Clearly a major renovation would be needed to bring it up to modern-day standards.

Suzy worked on the project with the Council’s own designer and library interiors specialists the Design Concept. There had been two public consultations, giving the project team a huge bank of information about local people’s priorities for the building. The brief was to respect the Grade ll listed structure but to give it new energy and purpose. Preliminary design work continued through the COVID pandemic.

“This was a heritage-led refurbishment,“ said Suzy. “We were working on a listed building so we knew what was historically significant and it was important to understand the purpose behind each decision we made.” The old Victorian bookcases, for example, were kept and worked into the new layouts.

The project aimed to reuse existing spaces, rather than knock down walls. The old reference library now houses non-fiction and a study area, decorated in warmer colours. The adult lending section was retained, featuring a cooler colour palette. Stock is presented bookshop-style and the old toilet has been turned into a break-out space or ‘sensory reading nook’.

Suzy said the old children’s library was “bright but a bit naff” and she wanted to make it more family friendly. It was redesigned around the theme of an enchanted woodland, taking inspiration from the work of artist and author Charlie Mackesy - writer of ‘The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse’ - who gave his permission, and his work is proudly displayed on the walls.

She was not fond of the old e-lending library - “a hideous burgundy room” full of public computers which lent itself to anti-social behaviour and was not nice to walk through. New computers were located in the former reference library - now study area - and the e-library was transformed into The Hive, a modern-day maker-space featuring technology such as VR headsets and robotics for immersive learning.

The Hive can accommodate up to 32 school children but is used by all ages and interests, including for dressmaking classes. “It’s a hive of activity and so full of fun now,” said Suzy. “We are an engagement-led service, providing enjoyable opportunities to engage with reading, learning, digital and cultural experiences.”

What was once a ladies’ reading room has become a Reminiscence Room for older people or those with dementia. It is decorated with images of Darlington in the 1970s to spark memories - and a ‘golden moments’ group has been formed.

There is also a hireable space, generating income - the Hoskins Room. Suzy said Darlington was extremely grateful to Arts Council England whose funding supported the renovation and room refits. The whole place now feels warm and welcoming.

Suzy said it had been a huge responsibility and privilege to oversee the refurbishment. She enjoyed working with the Design Concept who took away her ideas and requirements and came back with exciting design concepts beyond her expectations.

The designers are proud of their work on Darlington Library, which they describe as “the perfect modern classic” mixing heritage features with comfortable and ergonomic modern furniture. Their design incorporated zoned heating, new and more controllable lighting, and a “comprehensive wayfinding, signage and graphics package sympathetic to the building which guides users seamlessly through the space”.

“Beautifully situated in the heart of the town, Darlington Library has made the community and staff so proud, given them ownership and linked them to their past. It is made even more special with the user engagement and activities that happen within it. Suzy and her team take programming and activities for all users to a different level.”

Saved by people power, sensitively renovated and refurbished, Darlington Library will serve local people for generations to come.

For more information see the Designing Libraries case study here