Ripon library to close for improvements

North Yorkshire County Council announced that the Arcade-based facility will close for refurbishment at 2pm on Saturday, May 14 and from Monday, May 23, it will reopen except the children’s area, which will be temporarily moved to another space.

The library will operate its full services from Monday, May 30.

North Yorkshire County Council’s Libraries Manager Chrys Mellor said: “Ripon library is always filled with children and families so news of the refurbishment has been welcomed in the community.

“We are continuing to invest in new reading material for children in many of the county’s libraries to encourage them to support their local branch and start reading from an early age.

“Unfortunately the library will be closed to the public for a short time but we are doing our best to accommodate users.

“Loans will be extended over the closure period and arrangements have been made to cover home library service deliveries.”

The library has also benefitted from a £3,000 investment in reading material including picture books, board books and audio books, as well as popular junior fiction and non-fiction titles.

The new children’s area will include decorative shelving and brightly coloured furniture, along with a story wall allowing children to share their reading experiences and inspire others.

The purpose-designed space will allow the library to host a range of events and activities at a safe, easily accessible venue in the town centre.

The children’s area at Northallerton library has recently reopened after a similar nature-themed refurbishment and its bright colours and new features are already proving popular.

The nearest alternative libraries are Boroughbridge community library, Knaresborough library, Harrogate library, Mashamshire community library, and Nidderdale Plus community library.

Customers can browse, reserve and renew items online at www.northyorks.gov.uk/libraries.