Bilsthorpe Library reopens

Bilsthorpe Library has reopened following six weeks of closure for refurbishment. It is one of six Inspire libraries that received investment from the Libraries Improvement Fund (LIF), which is part of the Cultural Investment Fund a programme of work funded by the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) delivered by Arts Council England.  Nottinghamshire County Council, partnering with Inspire was awarded £170,000 to create community hubs within these six libraries in Nottinghamshire, transforming the buildings into flexible welcoming spaces for communities to use and enjoy.

Inspire and the Village Hubs Project Worker have undertaken community consultation and made connections with local community groups, stakeholders and the public to discuss the project and explore ideas and ways to work together for the benefit of the community. This has enabled Inspire to tailor the library's events and activities around community views.

Eleanor Booth, Village Hubs Project Worker said, 

"We are excited to welcome the community back to Bilsthorpe Library after its fantastic refurbishment! The library has been much improved and feels brighter and more spacious. The staff are raring to go with new activities in the space".

Inspire was also one of just 15 library authorities across the UK to be awarded funding from CILIP’s Green Libraries Grant, to create the green spaces at Bilsthorpe and Bircotes Libraries in order to develop environmental understanding and action through local partnerships and community engagement activities.  Therefore, we are also thrilled to announce the launch of our Environmental Library Garden at Bilsthorpe Library

Take a look at our gallery of images from our official relaunch on Saturday 10 December 2022 below, and visit our Refurbishments page to see all of our recent library re-openings!