Ambitious plans are have been set in motion to transform Wendover Community Library into a community hub for local residents in Wendover and surrounding villages to enjoy. With funding is in place to deliver the main building and refurbishment works help is however needed to fully deliver all the additional ideas and suggestions shared by local people.
Buckinghamshire Council, working together with extensive input from the local community, developed plans to completely transform the current space. A fund of £473,000 has been secured to carry out the main work but the community have suggested additional improvements, such as external landscaping and the creation of study pods, and so the Council will now be working to submit bids for additional funding from a range of organisations.
As part of this, a new Library Transformation Fund has been set up and those who are willing and able to contribute, are being invited to consider making a donation to support the local library.
Cllr Peter Strachan said: “I know that Buckinghamshire Council are keen to work with the library and local community to create something really special for Wendover. Whether you are a current resident, have family or friends in the area or have previous ties or fond memories of the town, the Library Transformation Fund gives people the opportunity to help make the exciting vision for a new community hub in our village, a reality.”
Anyone interested in contributing to the cause can do so in a variety of ways:
- Make a donation online or in person at the library
- Buy a mug or tea towel, with the profits going to the fund
- Order a commemorative plaque to be displayed in the community garden
- Order a limited edition, metal Legacy Leaf which will be engraved and displayed within an artwork at the new library entrance.
The new Wendover Community Library will be a valuable community hub, providing local information and services. Books and reading will still be central, but the hub will also offer a broad range of social, cultural and educational activities with a particular focus on health and wellbeing.
The new library, due to open in early 2024, will include:
- A redesigned exterior with artwork and community seating, and interior which will be dementia and autism friendly
- A children's library that will be double the size of the existing children’s library, visible from the front of the building with sensory equipment
- An extension into the courtyard with a new glass entrance and roof to increase natural light and visibility
- Enhancement of Tourist and Visitors Information area
- New flexible meeting spaces for community activities or private hire
Funding has been secured from Buckinghamshire Council’s Capital Programme, the Arts Council Library Improvement Fund, and smaller grants from Wendover Parish Council and Wendover Community Library Trust.
Cllr Steve Bowles added: “We all understand that money is tight for many at the moment and so the Council are only asking for donations from those who feel that they are able to contribute. This is an exciting and ambitious project that local residents and supporters are really keen to make a reality and I know that Buckinghamshire Council are working to make that happen.”
