West Bridgford Library celebrates ten years since momentous reopening

Since its reopening in 2013 following refurbishment, West Bridgford Library has been a vibrant hub of activity for the community hosting cultural, arts, and learning events for all.

Join the West Bridgford team and their Inspire colleagues on Wednesday 15 March, 2-4pm, for an afternoon of celebration, mingle with fellow book-lovers and share your memories of this fantastic library.

The library boasts over 73,000 books and has an array of activities for all ages. Families and children can enjoy three Rattle, Rhyme and Roll sessions per week, plus craft activities and family learning sessions. Children aged 5 -11 can also take part in the annual Summer Reading Challenge, returning in July 2023, collecting prizes and a certificate for achieving their reading goals over the summer holidays.

The fun doesn’t stop there; adults can spend time in the library developing valuable skills and making important links with their community. On Tuesday afternoons, library users can come along to Let’s Talk Tech sessions to receive support with texting, online shopping, video calls and more. Inspire Learning provide high quality adult learning courses ranging from entry level Functional Skills courses to mythology and macramé.

Those wishing to enhance their social life can also attend Places of Welcome coffee mornings every Wednesday at 10:30am to chat with new people over complimentary drinks and biscuits. Sessions are relaxed and informal, perfect for those new to the area or feeling isolated.

For those hoping to engage in Inspire’s cultural offer, West Bridgford Library is one of two Nottinghamshire libraries to host Jazz Steps events, bringing some fantastic names from the world of jazz to community venues. Upcoming shows include Pete Donaldson Blues Band and Ben Crosland’s Threeway. The library also provides gallery space to local exhibitors as well as touring exhibitions such as The Big Draw 2022: Come Back to Colour, currently on display until 11 April 2023.

Built in the 1930s but evolving indefinitely within its community, West Bridgford Library truly does have it all.

Peter Gaw, Chief Executive Inspire said;

“I can’t believe its ten years since we reopened the wonderful West Bridgford Library. It’s been a delight to see the space used by so many for reading, learning and enjoying culture. We are very proud of the team behind the library which is one of our busiest welcoming thousands of customers every year and being an important part of West Bridgford life for so many.”

Councillor John Cottee, Cabinet Member for Communities at Nottinghamshire County Council who will be in attendance at the celebration event commented;

“West Bridgford Library is a shining example of our vision for Nottinghamshire Libraries, and I am excited to celebrate this milestone. The library provides exceptional opportunities for the local community to enjoy books, attend learning courses and participate in cultural events.”

Members of the public are invited to attend a celebration at West Bridgford Library on Wednesday 15 March, 2-4pm to mark ten years since the improvements were made. Let’s raise a toast to another decade of providing exceptional library services to our community.

To find out more about West Bridgford Library including its upcoming events, go to inspireculture.org.uk/westbridgford