Work Stops On Ealing Central Library Refurbishment

In the meantime, cast your eye over revamped Northfield Library

Refurbishment work to revitalise Ealing Central Library has been delayed leaving its completion time frame undetermined, while structural problems are resolved.

Ealing Council is investing more than £2 million to refurbish the library as part of its “Libraries for the 21st Century” programme. The library closed in April and was due to reopen in January 2008.

"Refurbishments to central library have been delayed due to
structural problems with the building," said Council spokesperson Serena Rogers. "When we started to remove stock a number of problem areas were identified and it became clear that a
detailed investigation of the building would need to be done. The outcome of this investigation will determine the new timeframe for the refurbishment works. We understand the frustration of library users and apologise for the delay but it is essential that we have a safe and
high-quality library. We ask for residents to bear with us while we resolve the problems."

In the meantime pressure will be alleviated from the borough's dwindling library facilities with the reopening of Northfield Library. Tuesday 31 July sees the library reopoen its doors and everyone in the community is invited to attend the celebrations. The council promises a day of fun for children, followed by an evening reception from 6pm to be attended by the Mayor of Ealing.

Northfields Library has been undergoing an exciting transformation. With a stunning new glass facade, the refurbished library offers a lighter more open space, with a stylish new interior, coffee area, comfortable seating and a fun new children's area.

And a temporary library is still open for business on the ground floor of the Ealing Town Hall Annexe, adjacent to Ealing Town Hall on Uxbridge Road. It houses a range of adult, teenage and children’s fiction and non-fiction, DVDs, newspapers and free internet access. There will be a limited local history and reference service and study space.

July 27, 2007