[M]ajor alterations will be taking place to develop Ambleside Library as a community building and to create facilities to support the library in offering a wider range of activities.
The alterations will take place in two phases. Firstly, works to repair the roofing at the front of the building, and on the flat roof at the rear of the building will commence on Thursday 13 July, and scheduled to be completed on Thursday 20 July. This phase of work will involve scaffolding being erected on the front of the building. Ambleside Library will remain open as usual throughout this phase of work.
The second phase, which is scheduled to commence in September and will take approximately three months to complete, involves installing a lift to the first floor of the library, reconfiguring the main library space and converting the modern extension at the rear of the library into a community room. This community room will incorporate a cafeteria area and will be available for library events and also to hire for community and learning activities. It is anticipated the upstairs rooms will be let on a longer term basis as an office and meeting room space for Lakes Parish Council.
Councillor Deborah Earl, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Community Services, said:
“I am delighted that works to refurbish Ambleside Library will be commencing soon, and look forward to the fantastic new facilities that will be available to the local community. Libraries are a vital part of local communities and here in Cumbria we are determined to protect and invest in them.”
Given the extensive nature of the works, Ambleside Library will be closed from early September to early December. The exact dates will be confirmed in late July. During this period, a limited library service will operate from the Cumpstone Room at the Kelsick Centre in St Mary’s Lane, Ambleside on Mondays from 10am – 1pm and on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am – 1pm and 2pm – 5pm.
The nearest library offering a full range of services during this period will be Windermere Library, Ellerthwaite, Windermere.
The works have been commissioned by Cumbria County Council, drawing on funding from the Area Planning capital programme.
