For All Healthy Living Centre Community Library

Walking in to the new library at the For All Healthy Living Centre, Weston-super-Mare, you cannot fail to be impressed by the look and feel of a welcoming, easy to use space.

The exciting design of the new community library was strongly influenced by local people. They wanted to retain the light and airy feel from the former inner courtyard. Light streams in through the glass roof as young people excitedly share books and use the computers to finish their homework.

The For All Healthy Living Company in partnership with North Somerset Council, was awarded a Big Lottery Fund Grant of GBP800,000 to fund the development and expansion of the former library which operated in the foyer. Expansion has enabled the library to increase the number of loans including books and CDs to over 5500. There are now also ten public access computers.

The library sits in the heart of a thriving community building which also provides a GP practice, a community cafe, a church, community hall, and Children's Centre, meeting and training rooms.

Local resident and member of the steering group Tom Marshall said: "One of the nicest features (of the Healthy Living Centre) is the library which is run by excellent staff who are courteous and helpful. Only problem is that it was not very big but then with Lottery funding it was suggested let's expand it. What a brilliant idea. So thanks to some sterling work, the new library took hold and work progressed. Along with other facilities, this new and most welcome addition will enhance the community. I cannot wait for the opening day and using this new library."

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