Norwich library to close for £1.3 million 'major refurbishment'
County Hall says fully closing it for this time will allow these works to be carried out cheaper and quicker
The Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library will close later this month for major refurbishment works
This will cost £1.3 million and see a new early years library be built, along with more study spaces
Doors will close on April the 27th and reopen in mid-July. The neighbouring Forum will be unaffected by all this.
County Hall says this will deliver the most significant improvements to the library since it opened 25 years ago inside The Forum.
While a full closure is necessary to ensure public safety, while allowing the the project to be completed sooner and at lower cost than a series of partial closures.
What will happen during this time:
The library team will continue to provide some services during the closure from a temporary space in The Forum. This will allow the public to borrow and return items, with a small selection of books on display.
Many of the library’s regular groups and activities will continue in The Gallery at The Forum. Tricky period products will be available, while baby weighing facilities will be provided at Bounce and Rhyme sessions.
"It will allow us to improve the layout, accessibility and overall experience"
Sarah Hassan, head of libraries development at Norfolk County Council said:
“This refurbishment represents a significant investment in Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library as it reaches its 25th year. It will allow us to improve the layout, accessibility and overall experience for users of all ages.
By carrying out the work during a single closure period, we can complete the project more efficiently and safely. We recognise that this will cause some disruption and we are grateful to our library users for their patience while we work to improve the library for the future.”
The changes will include:
• A redesigned river-themed early years library.
• New, separate areas for 8+ and teen library users.
• A bookshop-style entrance to support easier browsing.
• Additional study space on the first floor.
• Lower shelving, improved signage and enhanced wayfinding to support accessibility.
• Updated lighting, new furniture with built-in power points and a new gathering space for events and talks.
The refurbishment work will mean that some facilities will be temporarily unavailable, including:
• Public computers and printing will not be available at the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library during this period. Library users can book a computer at other local libraries.
• The heritage centre and Business and Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC) will be closed for the duration of the works. Alternative BIPC access is available at Wymondham Library and Wroxham Library, and options for outreach sessions are being explored.
• Study spaces are unavailable throughout.
• There will be no room booking available until the library reopens.