A pop-up library service point is now open in Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre giving local people access to services, including collections and reservations.
It is in place on the site of the old Ealing Central Library to support customers during the current relocation project which is delivering a new, modernised library in the shopping centre.
Customers can make reservations, pick up and return books, and have the use of two computers for quick online searches for up to 15 minutes. There is also a small, quick pick selection of books for both adults and children on site to browse and borrow from.
Ealing Council is working alongside the developer British Land on the relocation of Ealing Central Library that will see it moved to a new, modern space in the shopping centre, close to the old site.
The new library is due to open in spring 2019. It will still be located on the first floor of the shopping centre but will benefit from brand-new, modernised facilities and better self service facilities, as well as superior online and digital services.
The new facility will accommodate around 40,000 books and provide a range of study areas. It will be designed to enable the space to be used flexibly in a variety of ways, including for events, activities and adult learning classes.
The relocation is funded in full by British Land, meaning local residents will benefit from a new, modern town centre library, with reduced running costs, at no cost to council tax payers.
British Land will provide temporary study and learning space in the shopping centre over the relocation process until March 2019, with further spaces across the borough’s libraries being made available to support local students during the run-up to mock exams in December.
Users will still be able to access the 24/7 online resources, order books online, as well as ordering and collecting books from other library locations. The closest libraries are Acton, West Ealing and Northfields.
The Archives and Local Studies Store is relocating to the new facility in the shopping centre. During this current relocation period, customers can order items for viewing by appointment at the new Local Studies Customer Desk in West Ealing Library.
Councillor Jasbir Anand, cabinet member for business and community services, said: “The relocation of Ealing Central Library is great news for local residents and the regeneration of the area.
“Local people will benefit from a brand-new, fully fitted modern library in Ealing town centre at no cost to council tax payers. It also opens up new retail opportunities as a result of the space vacated by the old site.”
- The new pop-up library service is open from 9am to 5pm Mondays-Fridays and 10am-5pm on Saturday.
- Information about the library service and to find details of the other libraries that are open, please visit the Ealing Council website.
The picture is a CGI image of how the new Ealing Central Library may look when it is completed in 2019.
