Portswood Library has reopened following a three-week refurbishment.
• Celebration - Portswood Library, December 01

 

It’s been re-painted and re-carpeted, and a new disabled lift has been fitted. 

Some of the spaces have also been re-configured – most notably the Children's Library has been moved to the rear of the building, while some shelving has been lowered resulting in clearer sight-lines throughout. 

Movable shelving has also been sourced so the space can be opened up – particularly useful for the Friends of Portswood Library’s popular history talks, for example, which have been attracting audiences of up to 80 people; fitting them all in has been a real problem, the group reports.

New window frames have also apparently been made, although there’s a delay in sourcing the particular 'antique' glass which is a requirement due to the library’s 'Local' Listed Building status.  New banners are also being printed to replace the existing sun-bleached ones outside, while new heating pipework and radiators are also scheduled to be installed in the near future.

David Wardell, Friends of Portswood Library chair, said: “For too long we have felt that the library has been treated as the 'poor relation' in Southampton's library stock and we are pleased that, with this refurbishment, it seems we have been brought back into the fold. The library now feels brighter, more spacious and a much more pleasant place to be - for both users and staff.

“We are acutely aware of the budget restraints placed on Southampton's Library Services and so, for this year, we have concentrated our fundraising efforts on the Children's Library. 

“I am delighted to say that with the fantastic support of the local community we have raised in excess of £700 to provide new furniture and equipment.  This money was largely donated by attendees to our very popular 'Summer Evening Talks' and we are hugely indebted to SEE Southampton and Bevois Mount History who freely gave of their time to provide us with a terrific series of illuminating presentations.”

“As a thank you, and to celebrate this, we are holding an event on Saturday the 1st December to formally hand over the new furniture.  In attendance will be our speakers, all SEE Southampton tour guides, and Ally Hayes, from Bevois Mount History, will also be giving a talk - 'Portswood Manor and the Italian Connection'.  The event will be from 10.30am and we will be providing free coffee and cake for all.

“The past few months have proved how much the library is loved and appreciated by the local community and their generosity has helped cement its future."

Pics: David Wardell