Completion of extensive, nine-month refurbishment boasts tech upgrades and brings a range of public services under one roof.
Penistone Library in Barnsley has opened its doors to the community for the first time since July. It’s been closed for nine months for major refurbishment as part of Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council’s wider investment in modern and accessible community spaces. The libraries refurbishment programme is, in turn, part of a scheme to develop services in the region’s principal towns to help build stronger, more connected communities. To date, 11 such library refurbishments have been completed.
Penistone Library, photo courtesy of Barnsley Metropolitan District Council
The work at Penistone Library included major improvements to the infrastructure of the building and the installation of full-fibre broadband internet connectivity.
The library now boasts an enhanced children’s area, the colourful design including a mural of Penistone railway viaduct and the surrounding hills. There is new furniture and shelving throughout the library, and the refurbishment has improved access to the Dransfield Collection – an important resource for local history.
Importantly, the building is now home to a range of local services, making it easy for residents to access the help and support that they need, while also enabling more efficient use of space and facilities and helping to reduce costs to the council.
The services at Penistone library include: Barnsley 0-19 Public Health Nursing Service; Barnsley Council Adult Skills and Community Learning, incorporating the targeted information, advice and guidance (TIAG) service; Barnsley Council’s Penistone Area Team; BYouth Young People’s Service (for young people in Barnsley aged 11 to 19 (or 25 if they have additional needs); Citizen’s Advice; DIAL; NHS Midwifery Team; Penistone Family Hub; and South Yorkshire Police’s Barnsley West Neighbourhood Team.
Anna Hartley, Executive Director for Public Health and Communities at Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, says: ‘We can’t wait to invite everyone back to the modern, welcoming Penistone Library. The new-look library will be a colourful, comfortable and flexible place to spend time, whether you want to settle down with a good book, get stuck into a family activity or do a couple of hours of studying.
‘Our libraries are not just places to borrow a book, they’re hubs for the community, so I’m pleased we’ve been able to bring the library services people enjoy together with other vital services under one roof.’
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