NEW LIBRARY PROJECT COMPLETES ON SITE

“A library outranks any other one thing a community can do to benefit its people. It is a never failing spring in the desert.” Andrew Carnegie

One of Middlesbrough’s best-loved buildings has reopened following a 20-month programme of improvements, re-opening its doors last month to bookworms, history buffs and culture lovers all. The £1.9m project was funded by the Arts Council, the Future High Streets Fund and Middlesbrough Council.

Councillor Ian Blades, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive member for Neighbourhoods, said:

 “The Central Library has been a focal point of the town for more than a century, and it’s rightly seen as one of jewels in our crown. “This fantastic refurbishment has given this wonderful building a whole new lease of life, while retaining the stunning features which keep people coming back throughout their lives. These improvements will stand it in good stead for the next century and beyond, helping future generations develop a life-long love of books and creativity. I’m enormously grateful to the Arts Council for helping to make this possible – countless lives will be enriched as a result, and that is simply priceless.”

Middlesbrough’s Grade II Listed Central Library is an imposing, classical Carnegie Library, built between 1909-12 with money donated by Scottish-American businessman and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. He believed that a free public library gave people the chance to educate and lift themselves whatever their origins in terms of wealth and status and its presence in Middlesbrough has been a cornerstone of knowledge and learning since the outset. However, prior to the project commencing, the library was tired and outdated, many spaces were inefficiently used and access was limited for visitors due to the constraints of its historic form. Mosedale Gillatt Architects were appointed to act as Lead Consultant and Conservation accredited Architect to deliver a scheme of work to address this.

This project has provided new life to Middlesbrough Central Library and ensures that the venue can provide modern facilities whilst acknowledging and protecting its heritage. It has improved provision whilst also integrating exciting new facilities to appeal to a range of user groups and safeguard its future for the people of Middlesbrough. 

Key spaces such as the ground floor lending library have been reinvigorated with a focus on family and children. A bespoke play structure has been introduced to inspire young minds, whilst core facililties such as picnic areas and accessible w.cs / baby change have been provided to support all users to the building. A new Discovery Room and full IT suite has been added to the library offer, allowing for new and exciting services to be provided alongside the core library offer. New wayfinding and signage has been developed that plays on historic decorative detail and improves the visitor experience. The project has made the building made more accessible for all groups through the provision of a new passenger lift.

Core historic spaces such as the first floor reference library have been rejuvenated with new purpose, giving adult visitors their own reading room with comfy seating and a quiet space to enjoy a book away from the lively and active main lending library. Works to the historic fabric included plaster and joinery repairs, relocation of historic library stands and a new decorative colour scheme that reflects the likely original Georgian intent.

As part of the works, the practice provided added social value through the provision of lectures and site visits to Sunderland College T level students, tours as part of the RIBA Student Mentoring scheme and talks with regular library user groups.