Shrewsbury Library
Shropshire Council’s library service is delighted to announce that it has received funding from Arts Council England to support a major upgrade across several branches.
Thanks to this investment, new library counters will be installed at Shrewsbury, Ludlow, Bridgnorth, Market Drayton, and Oswestry libraries, helping to modernise the spaces and improve the customer experience.
In addition, funding has been secured to install 19 self-service kiosks across 13 library branches, allowing customers to borrow and return items independently.
These improvements will allow library staff to work more flexibly, with more time dedicated to running events and supporting detailed enquiries.
James Owen, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for housing and leisure, said:
I am delighted to hear that the application was successful and on behalf of the entire administration offer my thanks to all members of staff involved.
Rethinking our library spaces is a necessity given the current financial emergency, and this funding will help allow the creative minds of our wonderful library staff to further utilise the spaces they have to the benefit of residents across Shropshire.
We’re excited to welcome customers back to see the new counters and kiosks once they’re in place and look forward to continuing to develop and improve our library service.
The equipment will be installed over the next four months. There will be short temporary closures at some branches while the installations take place, to ensure the safety of both customers and staff.
These will be clearly publicised in libraries, on social media, and on the Shropshire Libraries website.
