New chapter at Coleraine Library

COLERAINE library quietly reopened its doors last week after refurbishment work lasting almost two years was finally finished.

The three-storey circular building, built to a classic late 1960s design, is described as “one of the most interesting libraries in Northern Ireland.”

It was closed in March 2017 when leaking windows and roof, deteriorating walls and antique heating system rendered it no longer fit for purpose.

But, with a £2.3m revamp completed a few weeks ago, staff have been working flat out to restock the library with books transferred from temporary premises in the Diamond Centre along with historical records, maps and archived newspapers which had been stored all over Northern Ireland.

After inspecting the premises one last time before the public were readmitted on Thursday, Libraries NI area manager, Jean Fitzpatrick said she was delighted with the work.

“Staff have always loved working here because it's so airy and bright,” she told the Chronicle, “and with the upgrades complete, working conditions have been greatly improved and it's more comfortable than ever for customers.

“The transformation of the building provides a modern, attractive and fit-for-purpose community space to meet the needs of modern library users.”

Included in the library's significant improvements is the addition of a large three-storey extension.

A new entrance lobby with a passenger lift to all floors and additional accessible toilet facilities ensures public access is fully compliant with regulatory requirements.

The extension has also allowed for a full range of modern facilities including a new multi-use meeting room and group space, exhibition space, an improved study area and a dedicated quiet heritage collection room with microfilm readers and printers to maximise the library’s heritage resources.

The refurbishment was undertaken with advice from planning and conservation experts to ensure the architectural heritage of the listed building was maintained.

When it was evaluated by built heritage officials back in 2013 they described it as “a detached circular two-storey over basement library of concrete frame construction with a zig-zag arrangement of steel framed glazing with opaque coloured panels enlivening the exterior.

*For the full story see this week's Coleraine Chronicle.