Exeter library opens today
Exeter Library has opened its doors to the public for the time today, following its multi million pound refurbishment by Devon County Council
Major new features such as the LED-lit glass sculpture in the entrance foyer, the stack of books, showcasing a range of books with local connections; as well as the innovative Fab Lab and Business and Information Hub; have been seen for the first time as visitors explored each of the three new floors.
Visitors to the new Devon centre 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 an a read with a book in Rougement Gardens.
In future 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.
Another major innovation at the library comes from the Fab Lab or fabrication laboratory, a low-cost digital workshop equipped with laser-cutters, 3D printers and scanners, Computer Numerical Control (computer controlled) router, 3D milling machines, electronics bench and programming and a range of other design tools meaning users can “make almost anything”.
There are over 200 Fab Labs around the world, open to students, community users, inventors, small businesses and entrepreneurs, and commonly used to make models and prototypes. But this will be the first of a Devon-wide network, with another opening in Totnes at King Edward VI Community College this summer.
Fab Lab Exeter will utilise a ground floor room in the library, adjacent and complementary to the new Business and Information Hub, which will provide business information and intellectual property (IP) support for local businesses.
It will enable users to develop or refine a product or object from first idea to a formed and working prototype. Advice and further business support is also available to help develop the business proposal to ensure a route to market.
Speaking prior to today's opening Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy, Growth and Cabinet Liaison for Exeter, Cllr Andrew Leadbetter says:
“I am extremely excited to see this ambitious initiative get off the ground. It will play a key part in enabling the new Exeter Library and other locations in Devon to provide a relevant and innovative service.
“I am sure it will present great opportunities for creative minds in Devon who have perhaps been sitting on an idea or invention and want to take it to the next step.
“I very much look forward to seeing the technology in action.”
Exeter City Centre manager John Harvey was among today's visitors tweeting: "Just popped across to the new ExeterLibrary - looking fantastic & a great buzz today... You done good Devon County Council."
