Lye Library in Stourbridge will be temporarily closing for major refurbishment from Saturday 5 October.
The work is expected to take twelve weeks, and the library will reopen in January.
VR headsets, IT hublets and improved seating, moveable shelving and new flooring are all being installed thanks to a grant of £144,715 from the government’s Libraries Improvements Fund, administered by Arts Council England.
The IT system is being upgraded and more flexible communal space will be created.
“This is an exciting development for Lye and we’re very grateful for the funding,” said Stephanie Rhoden, Dudley Libraries Partnership Manager.
“The investment in some really hi-tech IT will allow everyone who uses the library to access learning in a really fun, interactive way and having more space means we can organise more group activities and events.”
Operating under the Better brand, Lye Library is run by not-for-profit charitable social enterprise GLL, on behalf of Dudley Council.
Councillor James Clinton, cabinet member for public health, responsible for libraries, said:
“We’re continuing to build on our ambitions for the library service. Brierley Hill library has recently received a significant £670,000 refurb funded through the UK Government’s Future High Streets Fund and we’re following suit with these plans for Lye.
“This additional funding for Lye library, will improve services for our residents and help to further cement the library’s standing as a true community facility.”
A limited library service at Christ Church in Lye High Street will be in place on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays during the closure period. On other days, library services will be available at nearby libraries in Cradley and Stourbridge.
