Library Opens in new (temporary) location

Yesterday the new temporary library in Southport Town Centre was opened at the Southport Visiter Offices on Tulketh Street. I was delighted that Jean Alexander, who had been a key supporter of the temporary library campaign was there with the Mayor Maureen Fearn to cut the ribbon.







The opening follows several months of campaigning in rain and shine by the Liberal Democrats to ensure that Southport residents weren't left high and dry with no library facilities whilst the old Atkinson Library undergoes a complete refurbishment as part of the Cultural Centre.

Andrew Edwards, Group Editor of the Southport Visiter spoke at the opening to welcome the library into what was until recently the location of the news desks for the journalists. Thanks must go to the Southport Visiter staff who have worked with the Council to ensure that this new temporary site is ready to go as a library.

I was surprised when I walked in at just how much like a library it looks - the Children's section is great and also now includes 2 computers which were not available in the Atkinson Library.  The Teens section has been moved away from the children's section which I think is a really good idea and placed next to the IT section.  I am also pleased to report that there are the same number of PC's available to the public as before.  During the event I spoke to library staff who also explained that they had changed the way the shelves were filled with books to show book covers as well book spines to entice readers to try new authors.