Major refurbishment plans for Chorlton Library in Manchester have been revealed to enhance the existing structure of the building and the fabulous dome hidden for years will be unveiled when it reopens. The library closes its door for two weeks on 24 March and will reopen with a temporary reduced library offer from the library extension at the back of the library from 8 April.

Additional work will include improvements to the exterior stonework and windows as well as the renewal of electrical and mechanical systems, to ensure the building contributes to lower carbon emissions to help the council meet its target of becoming zero carbon by 2038.

The refurbishment will also create additional meeting rooms within the existing structure and when the building reopens in 2025 the library will benefit from Open + technology which will allow the library to be open and accessible for more hours every day.

Services in the reduced library offer from April 8 will include free internet and Wi-Fi, a small selection of stock, and a reservation pick-up point. These reservations can be made for free on the Manchester libraries catalogue.

Councillor John Hacking, Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure said: “Chorlton Library is one of the last of our libraries to benefit as part of our Library renewal programme. It is a unique building, a great asset to the city and one of our oldest libraries. It is a much-loved library and continues to be at the heart of the Chorlton community as it has been for the last 100 years. This work will bring it right up to date and ensure it continues to be better equipped to serve the local community and fit for purpose for the next 100 years and more as well as meeting our sustainability plans and carbon neutral targets.

“As one of the busiest libraries in the city, I know it will be missed but I can assure you that the revamp will be worth the wait.”

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