People are invited to help launch an exciting new chapter at Midsomer Norton as the One Stop Shop and library reopen as a combined service following a £350,000 investment programme.
It will be officially opened on Monday, June 4th by the Chair of Bath and North East Somerset Council, Councillor Karen Walker, at 3 pm. Midsomer Norton’s new Library and Information Service, in the High Street, has been redesigned to give people the chance to get information, advice and services all under one roof in an integrated modern and more flexible and usable space for the whole community. The aim is to put learning, advice and information, as well as council and partner services together and create the opportunity for people to study, discover, access information, make use of IT or hold community events for everyone’s benefit.
The new-look library and information service has been completely redesigned with a new children’s area with comfy soft seating and fun educational features. There is free WiFi throughout, improved internet technology, improved access to printing including wireless technology as well as more comfortable seating and a quiet area to study.
In addition, it has a wider selection of books and shelving for easier access in a friendly and welcoming space. Access to the vast catalogue of more than three million items is simple using the new touchscreen technology.
Councillor Karen Warrington (Cons. Clutton), cabinet member for Transformation and Customer Services, said: “Now Midsomer Norton Library and Information Service is a really bright and well-resourced community space which everyone can benefit from. We listened to what people asked for and have invested in the building and the services giving it a sustainable long-term future. This is all about creating stronger communities and helping everyone achieve their full potential through learning, improving access to information whether that’s for health or employment and to provide somewhere for cultural and creative enrichment. The whole space is just great and is still, of course, a place to find all kinds of books and enjoy reading. The children’s area is really welcoming and I am delighted that people with autism have been taken into account and that there are plans to hold autism only children’s events as part of a future programme of community activities. Signage has been designed to be simple and clear and we have added a number of features including an autism-friendly map to make the space more welcoming to people with autism.”
Opening hours have been increased and simplified to avoid confusion. Now opening daily from 09.30-5pm except Fridays when it closes at 4.30pm and Saturday closing at 1pm. The integration of Midsomer Norton Library and One Stop Shop to form the new library and information service is part of the council’s Modern Libraries Programme, putting people first. It follows the combined Keynhsam Library and One Stop Shop which has been a huge success with a significantly increased footfall and rise in popularity, following similar improvements several years ago.
For more information, click here.
