Date confirmed for reopening of newly refurbished Retford Library

Retford Library will reopen its doors to the public on Monday 24 August, at 9.30am, after undergoing an extensive refurbishment.

Working with Nottinghamshire County Council and ARC Partnership, Inspire have made the library more visible and accessible to the local community, installed easier to navigate shelving (which will also be able to be moved to create larger spaces for performances and cultural activities), as well as relocating the local studies collection downstairs into the main body of the library to allow easier access for all to this amazing resource.

The children’s library has also been relocated to the rear of the library creating a more bright and vibrant area for reading and activities, leading out into the rear garden with a new decked area and garden space. 

Peter Gaw, Chief Executive at Inspire said: “Retford is one in a long line of library refurbishments the team at Inspire has implemented and as always each one is geared to modernise and improve the service. As Retford is one of our oldest libraries being sympathetic to the original building and where possible highlighting those historic features has been key. We have also been trying to improve access to our heritage collection for many years, and now by accommodating the majority of it on the ground floor I hope it will be more accessible.”

There will be a chance for customers to get a sneak preview as a  limited amount of  small group tours will be running on Wednesday 19 August which will last approximately 30 minutes, these groups are limited to 4 people and booking is essential, details and booking link can be found here www.inspireculture.org.uk/retford-library-refurbishment

Councillor John Handley, Vice Chairman for the Communities and Place committee at the County Council said: “I’m delighted that Retford Library has completed its extensive refurbishment project and will be reopening its doors later this month. The library plays a key part in the local community and Retford residents will be able to enjoy the libraries new modern look, improved accessibility and updated services."

“The children’s library has a fantastic learning environment - it’s clean, spacious and has a wonderful new garden area that is great for families. With extra Covid-19 safety procedures in place, Retford Library will be a fantastic creative and learning hub for all.”   

Dan Maher, Managing Director at Arc Partnership, said; "We are delighted to have redesigned and refurbished Retford Library in partnership with the County Council and Inspire, in a way that has created a building that further increases both accessibility and  the user experience, for the Nottinghamshire communities it serves."

Late charges for outstanding loans will not be applied until 14 September giving customers plenty of time to return their books.

As with all Inspire libraries our priority is to keep customers and staff safe. Full details about how we’ve reviewed our services and reorganised our spaces, introduced social distancing and hygiene measures can be found here www.inspireculture.org.uk/reading-information/reopening-our-libraries

Find out more about the new-look Retford library, including opening times here - www.inspireculture.org.uk/retford-library-refurbishment