Library of the month
Each month we will feature a different library that is embracing the Love Libraries campaign. Our current library of the month is Normanton Library and Community Centre.
Normanton Library and Community Centre
Market Street
Normanton
Wakefield WF6 2AR
www.wakefield.gov.uk/normantonlibrary
Opening hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 10.00-7.00
Friday 10.00-5.00
Saturday 10.00-4.00
Wednesday, Sunday Closed
Comments received from people about the planned garden:
“A well worthwhile project for all involved – a meeting place for the community and people visiting Normanton”
“A fabulous idea – I can't wait”
“A great idea that I will support as much as I can”
What are the best things about the library?
The move from the original Carnegie Library in 2001 on the outskirts of town into a centrally located former community sports centre has been an exciting journey.
Building the library in refurbished squash courts required some imagination and Wakefield Council used the documented adventures of the Elizabethan explorer, Martin Frobisher as a starting point. A local hero, he achieved fame during the quest for the North-West passage and we decided to use him as our inspiration. The library counter is shaped like a boat, the carpet is shaded blue and sand and sculpted like the sea and shore around a mast and treasure chest. The understated stained glass is a reminder that there is a window in the parish church dedicated to this famous explorer.
The building has gradually been brought into full use. In 2004, the upper floor was converted from a bar and social area into a day centre for adults with learning disabilities (Day Opportunities). Some help as volunteers in the library. A community cafe has been developed and will open soon. The community hall sound, lighting and stage facilities were upgraded last year and new french doors were installed to open into the newly created Breathing Places kitchen and story garden area.
The functional brick-built exterior belies the warm welcome – the building is fully occupied and busy with activity in all corners with a full programme in the community hall and increased opening hours in the library.
Are you holding any summer activities and events for children and families?
We take part every year in the summer reading challenge. This year a football quiz and penalty
shoot out are planned. There are under five’s story times twice a week and school holiday activity
sessions. Tree dressing, bug spotting, planting events, reading and rhyme time and teddy bears
picnics have raised interest in the garden project. Wakefield Council’s Museum service provides
Mini Museum exhibitions and lots of related events and activities for both children and adults.
Do you hold any events or clubs for teenagers?
Teenagers have demonstrated their talents at Nail Art and Mod Roc events and through their
contributions to the design of the library garden. Drop-in sessions on writing CVs and careers
information have been a success and a teenage reader group is planned.
Do you hold any events for adults?
Writing workshops are popular and we produced a book-in-a day, ‘Normanton Naturally’ about the
local environment.
The Normanton Wikipedia page found a new audience and contributors for another writing session.
In preparation for the garden project, Radio Leeds Gardeners’ Roadshow joined us to present their Sunday morning programme.
Wakefield Primary Care Trust and the ‘5 A DAY’ team support us with fun health events. There is help to find work and learning through Information, Advice and Guidance sessions and if anyone wants to learn how to get online there are weekly UK online computer taster drop-ins.
Do you work in partnership with any other service providers in the community?
Wakefield Council works with Normanton Town Council, Wakefield Groundwork Trust and
Wakefield District Primary Care Trust.
Do you support the Love Libraries campaign?
We were inspired by the Love Libraries campaign to transform some spare land next to the library
into a kitchen and reading garden to be used by library customers, Day Opportunities and
community centre customers and everyone in Normanton.
We have used the ‘Love Libraries’ campaign to build on the affection that people have for libraries. Following Families Love Libraries Week in 2006, we continued the theme in 2007.
Early October was a great time for Wakefield Libraries with National Poetry Day, Bookstart Day and Family Learning Week following in quick succession, so we celebrated with our Families Love Libraries festival from 4-13 October. More than 2,000 adults children and teenagers attended our events and exhibitions. There were over 50 events across the district, ranging from Storytimes, Jungle Parties and Food is Fun events for toddlers, to Mod Roc sculpture and glass painting for teenagers, family history, poetry and author events for adults.
If you think your local library deserves to be featured as our ‘library of the month’ we want to hear from you! Contact the Love Libraries campaign on 020 7273 1441 or or email info@lovelibraries.co.uk
View previous libraries of the month:
Essex Libraries
Lewes Library, Lewes
Handsworth Community Library, Birmingham
Hoddesdon Library, Hertfordshire
