Bampton Library ready for move to new premises

Bampton Library is getting ready to relocate the service to new premises in Spring this year. 

The library, currently located in an 18^th Century building in Newton Square and run by Libraries Unlimited, will move into the new Library and Resource Centre (LARC), within the newly refurbished Old Schoolroom building which opened in September 2016.

The move comes following the signing of a legal agreement between Libraries Unlimited and the Library and Resource Centre Supporters (LARCS), a community initiative and registered charity established to raise funds for the refurbishment of the Old Schoolroom.

Libraries Unlimited, the charity and social enterprise which runs all of Devon’s libraries, is hopeful that in the future, relocation to the new building will provide capacity for extended opening hours and service provision.

Ciara Eastell, Chief Executive of Libraries Unlimited said: “As one of the smallest libraries in Devon, it is fantastic that Bampton Library and the community which it serves will benefit from its relocation.

She continued: “This move is one of a planned programme of library relocations and improvement that will be happening in the county this year, which will improve access, services and experiences for library visitors. This new building in Bampton will mean we can look into offering new and exciting events and services to the local community in the years to come. We are looking forward to working with the Library and Resource Centre Supporters on delivering a library service that is designed to meet the needs of its users.”

LARCS was formed in 2015 in order to raise funds for the refurbishment of the Old Schoolroom to house the library.  The group held numerous fundraising events as well as applying for a range of grants and funding bids. The final amount was raised in March last year through a grant from Power to Change, funded by Big Lottery, and work started on the building in April 2016.

Les Hartley, Chair of LARCS, said: “When we set up LARCS our aim was to provide a sustainable Library and Resource Centre for the community for the long-term. We are delighted that we have now signed the agreement with Libraries Unlimited and Bampton’s library is set to be relocated.   We very much look forward to a successful partnership and the opportunities that lie ahead.”

As well as retaining all of its current facilities, including the loaning of a wide range of books, audiobooks, computer and internet access, the newly refurbished building will also provide a space for community events.

Ciara added: “During the relocation of the library itself, there will be a short time when the library will be closed. We will release details   closer to the time, but will do our utmost to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum and the new library is up and running as quickly as possible.”