Summer opening for library shaped by community

The facility, which replaces the old library at King Cross, is being built on sustainable principles and has been designed to maximise natural light, with extensive glass windows to two sides.

Operations and customer services manager at Calderdale Council, Carole Heaton, said: "This library will be unique in that local residents have been consulted at every stage of its development.

"As a result, it directly reflects their wishes and needs. Library staff are very excited about the opening in summer 2010."

The new facility is intended to attract people who do not currently use libraries, as well as meeting the needs of existing users.

Before it was designed, residents were asked what they wanted to see.

Their feedback included

shelving that can be rolled

away to offer space for other activities; a children's area; exhibition and meeting spaces; advice sessions and reading groups; quiet areas; wi-fi access; and a caf with newspapers. A key feature will be a garden area for reading, listening and reflection.

Built with funding from the BIG Lottery Community Libraries Fund and Calderdale Council, the library is being constructed by William Birch and Sons.

Paul Goyea, construction director at William Birch and Sons, said that the company had in the past enjoyed the benefits, along with clients and their consultants, of knowing that the local community has had such a positive input into the building outcome.

"In particular it engenders a sense of ownership and responsibility in local people to ensure the delivery of the building is a success and meets most of, if not all, the community's needs," he said.