Sneak peek at Exeter Central Library
With Exeter Central Library due to re-open to the public in a little over three weeks here’s a quick sneak peak at what to expect.
The long-awaited library is expected to open on May 22 following a £4.2m revamp; updating the libraries facilities for a more modern service.
The new building holds more than 60,000 books, CDs and DVDs on over a km of shelves while another 150,000 are available on request from the libraries reserve stack.
A new suite of 34 computers with printing and copying facilities, available for free for up to 2 hours a day along with free Wi-Fi, also complement the traditional library features.
Where possible the original materials have been retained and reused but have been imbued new features such as energy efficient LED lighting and photovoltaic roof panels.
One much-loved original feature is the rocking horse which survived the move to be re-housed in the large children’s library overlooking Rougemont Gardens.
The new building will also now double as a ‘Devon Centre’ running a number of other services such as support and advice classes as well as a huge programme of activities available for all ages.
One new major service comes from the Business and information Hub; offering a range of support to small-firms, start-ups and entrepreneurs to held grow their business.
Staff trained by the British Library and the Library of Birmingham will provide the practical advice and support, with access to a comprehensive collection of databases and publications to help users with trademarks, patents, registered designs, copyright and other Intellectual Property (IP) queries.
There will also be a ‘Fab Lab’, which will provide opportunities for businesses, schools and the public to use specialist equipment such as 3D printers to prototype their ideas and support learning, innovation and enterprise.
The idea of a Fab Lab also known as a ‘Maker-Space’ was developed by inventor and scientist Professor Neil Gershenfeld at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T.) with the idea of providing the environment, skills and technology to make things cheaply and quickly anywhere in the world.
The library will also house a cafe, run by Devon Norse, with seating in the large new foyer area and on an outside patio will enable people to enjoy a coffee and a read with a book in Rougement Gardens.
While on the third floor, a training kitchen will help adults with learning disabilities develop independent living skills, while meeting rooms and other facilities are available for a wide range of Devon County Council and community use.
Opening hours of the redeveloped library will be as follows: Monday 9am to 6pm, Tuesday 9am to 7pm, Wednesday 10am to 6pm, Thursday 9am to 7pm, Friday 9am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm and Sunday noon to 4pm
