Exeter Library opens its doors to the public for the first time this week, Thursday 22 May, following its multi million pound refurbishment by Devon County Council.
From the new LED-lit glass sculpture in the entrance foyer, the stack of books, showcasing a range of books with local connections; through to the innovative Fab Lab – the first of its kind in a public library in the UK - and Business and Information Hub; to the 5,000 or so additional books on display, the Council is hoping for a large turn out as visitors are invited to explore each of the three new floors.
Quiet reading areas, Wi-Fi and public computing facilities, improved children and young people's areas, and a cafe with seating inside and outside for people to enjoy a coffee and a read with a book in Rougement Gardens, will greet visitors to the new Devon Centre.
The building will also provide independent living support for adults with learning disabilities and provide meeting room spaces available for external hire and for use by other council and third sector services.
A full list of events throughout June has been published on the Council's website www.devon.gov.uk/ecldevelop.
Highlights throughout June include:
Afternoon tea-time author events, to give people, particularly budding authors, the chance to meet others who have successfully published their books.
Exeter Reads. Marking the centenary of World War 1, Exeter Library is encouraging people to read 'The Blasphemer', by Nigel Farndale; and for children, 'Over The Line', by Tom Palmer. Tom will be visiting the library on the 12 July.
One-day workshop on writing a successful novel, by local crime writer and BBC reporter, Simon Hall.
Other events include visits by several authors; family history experts; and Devon Wildlife Trust.
There will also be a comprehensive programme of activities for entrepreneurs and business people, with advice and guidance on starting up new businesses, and what to do with smart business ideas.
Devon County Council's Cabinet Member with responsibility for the library, Cllr Roger Croad said:
"The long awaited and much anticipated opening for the new Exeter Library, our third Devon Centre, is now nearly here, offering a wider range of services than previously. I'm very pleased with its content and design, which has brought a new energy into the building while keeping many of the original features that people loved about the original building.
"I'm looking forward to the doors opening for the first time this week as are many other people across the city and further afield who are looking forward to seeing what their new library has to offer."
Exeter Library will be open seven days a week. An official opening for the library is being planned for the summer.
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