A project that will see Shanklin’s library relocated to a former toilet block in the heart of the town was officially launched by the Isle of Wight’s new Lord Lieutenant on Friday (29th March).
Shanklin Town Council have allocated over £100,000 for the project, which will see the community library moved from the former fire station at Victoria Avenue to Falcon Cross off Regent Street.
The move has been made possible thanks to the recent refurbishment of Falcon Cross toilets which left an area of the building unused. Planning permission is being sought from the Isle of Wight Council this week to add a small extension to the block so that the library can be accommodated as well as a new dedicated Town Council office and the existing toilets.
The plans for the new library were revealed at Falcon Cross Hall on Friday afternoon where Lord Lieutenant Mrs Sheldon was accompanied by High Sheriff Gioia Gidens-Minghella, Chair of the Isle of Wight Council Cllr Lora Peacey-Wilcox, Shanklin Mayoress Esther Knight, Sandown Mayor Jacquie Mereweather and Lake Parish Chair Sue Horton.
The launch of the project was the Island’s new Lord Lieutenant’s first engagement. Mrs Sheldon will be invited to officially open the new amenity when it is finished later this year.
Friday’s launch is also thought it is the first time that the civic leaders of any County in the Country are all female. Students at St Blasius Primary Academy designed commemorative mugs to mark the occasion and the children presented the mugs at the launch.
Maria Darbon, Library co-ordinator, has said:
“All of our volunteers are looking forward to working in a more central location, and we will be asking our members what types of services they would like to see provided when we move – one of our younger members, Adam Farley, has even written to the Libraries Minister asking for support for the project”.
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That’s the best place to read a book,on the bog….only place you can get any peace
I would really love it if the the new library can accommodate a space for freelance workers like myself, just a desk and maybe even a power outlet!