Trafford’s new state-of-the-art library is being officially opened – by the youngest and one of the oldest borrowers!
Little Mackenzie Campbell, aged four months, and 91-year-old Jean Holland will cut the ribbon on the new facility on 14th February – Valentine’s Day.
They will be joined by Ann Moran who has worked for the libraries in Trafford for 49 years, and who is retiring in May, and the Mayor of Trafford, Cllr Tom Ross.
The library, which opened on Market Street after the closure of the Stamford New Road facility, has seen an incredible 89 per cent increase in visitors compared to the same period last year.
New member applications are flooding in and residents have told Trafford Council they are over the moon with their new community hub.
In just seven weeks, more than 11,000 books have been borrowed which is an increase of more than 42 % on the same period last year.
Cllr Kevin Procter, Trafford Council Executive Member for Communities and Housing, said:
The new library is a fantastic addition to the town centre and is already very popular with local people. Libraries are very important to residents young and old in terms of raising literacy levels and we fully support them.
This new library is also a centre for community activity and brings people together under one roof in the name of education. It is open to all and will be a big asset to the town centre for many years to come. If you haven’t already been, pop down, and show your love for our new library, it is fabulous.
Cllr Procter’s views were also echoed by users of the new library. One said:
It’s nice and light and much bigger than I thought it’d be.
Another added:
The staff have been really helpful and I really like the way the books are displayed.
Later in the month the library will offer an Open + system which will allow customers access without staff being present. Under the new system, customers gain entry to the library via a keypad using their library card and PIN. This technology will enable customers to use the library every evening Monday – Friday and on Sundays.
Customers can borrow, return and renew books via the self-service kiosks; use the public access computers, printer and photocopier - and community groups can use the library for meetings.
Please contact Craig Archer at Trafford Council on 0161 912 4080 to book your attendance on the photocall.
Posted on Wednesday 6th February 2019