New look Killyleagh library opens to public

 

By Annie Stewart

KILLYLEAGH Library reopened its doors this week following a period of closure to facilitate a comprehensive refurbishment.

The refurbishment includes the removal of the unused first floor of the building, the installation of an energy-efficient heating system, mechanical ventilation, and heat recovery system, alongside energy-efficient general and emergency LED lighting.

Ceilings and plaster throughout the library have been replaced, and both internal and external redecoration has been completed.

The exterior has seen the addition of insulation throughout together with a combination of a self-coloured render system with a feature panel of wall cladding to highlight the entrance to the building.

Ciara Gault, Service Development Manager said it has been a ‘massive investment’ in the library.

“It was designed with the community in mind, all of the shelving is on wheels,” she said.

“In this community there’s a lot of artists, so there will be a professional art rail system installed.

“There’s a lot of groups and meetings as well, like book clubs and history meetings so everything can be pushed back and tables and chairs that can come out at the side to facilitate that.”

Ciara wished to give a ‘big shout out’ to Patricia Curran and Karen for doing a ‘fantastic job ‘and  asked the community to come in and support the library.

“It is a fantastic facility so come and make use of it,” she said.

Patricia Curran, Area Manager for Newry, Mourne and Down said that in designing the library they wanted to reflect the outside.

“We’ve brought the outside, inside because this is a passive building and it’s supposed to be self sustaining,” she said.

“We brought the earthy colours in to go with our unique feature of our wee tree. Everyone then can have their own space to do their work but they are all on one floor.

“I just think it feels so warm and welcoming whenever you come in, it’s so bright and it’s so fresh. Having previously been in the old library coming in to this, it’s completely different.

“All the customers coming in were so positive and saying how they couldn’t wait to get into the library again.”

Bonnie Anley, Chair of the Board of Libraries NI, said they are ‘very excited’ with the outcome.

“It’s a complete metamorphosis into something that is very modern, extraordinarily relaxing and very light. We’re very pleased that the outside colours have been part of the consultation with the community, particularly around High Street here. We wanted the building to fit in and we wanted community engagement.

“On behalf of the board we are absolutely thrilled with this outcome and we are very pleased how our contractor has performed and really impressed by the executive, in relation to how they have lead on this. We are celebrating this corporately as well as personally.

“We’d like thank the Department for Communities and Department for the Economy for their support and investment in the library.”

Killyleagh Library is open four days a week including a Saturday.

For more information on opening hours and activities taking place, please contact Killyleagh Library on 028 4482 8407 or email killyleagh.library@librariesni.org.uk.