Revamp for Walsall Central Library

The library will offer a cafe, ICT lounge, free wifi, a learning resource centre and a jobs and skills development resource.

Councillor Sean Coughlan, the leader of Walsall Council, was reported as saying: "I’m really excited about this project and hope local people are too. The principle behind redesigning the library service is to make it a service that is flexible, sustainable and most importantly, fit for the 21st century.”

It is hoped the work on the central library will be completed in the Spring of 2018, when its opening hours are planned to be extended.

Walsall Council says its redesigned central library will offer visitors 'far more than the current building' and will bring 'vibrant new life to a tired facility', reports the Express & Star.

Nine smaller community libraries have been scheduled for closure as the council balances its need for budgetary savings with investment in its flagship library.