New £2.2m library is getting closer

A new £2.2 million library in Wolverhampton is a step closer to opening after building work was completed.

The keys to Wednesfield's new library have now been handed over to the council, with the public unveiling planned for June 1.

The old library in Church Street is set to close on May 15, with staff moving all the books over to the new facility.

Branch group librarian Kevin Hudson said today everyone was pleased with the look of the landmark building on the corner of Well Lane and Rookery Street looked.

"It looks just as good as we expected," he said.

"Building work on the outside is now finished and all we need to do now is move all the stock over from the old library.

"There is also some work that we need to complete on the inside, such as fitting shelves."

With its quirky windows and unusual shape, the contemporary library is set to house thousands of books as well as becoming home to a number of community groups.

The organisations that will call the building home include Wednesfield Community Association and Wednesfield and Fallings Park Local Neighbourhood Partnership.

The new building is almost twice as big as the old facility and will also house computers. Mr Hudson continued: "I think it will be a well-used facility in the town.

"Everyone is curious about the building and I think they want to get inside and have a look."

He added the new library, built by Birmingham-based G F Tomlinson Birmingham Ltd, will have the same opening hours as the old facility, although it could also open on Sundays.

Mr Hudson added: "We are looking at opening the library on a Sunday if there is demand for it."

Wolverhampton City Council received £1,497,297 from the Big Lottery Fund's Community Libraries programme towards the cost of the development.

Once the new library is open, the old library in Church Street will close.