Halifax Central Library

March 5th 2018

Halifax’s New Central Library opened to great fanfare last September and it is already generating a strong increase in children’s issues. This new central library is a welcome addition when it comes to public services for the people of Halifax and it is so pleasing to hear that not only has there been an increase in issues across the library, but particularly in children’s stock, where issues are up by one-third since the Library opened. The new library is in the ‘Cultural Quarter’ of the town, alongside the beautiful Georgian Piece Hall and the Museum. Built on the site of the former Square Church, which was destroyed by fire over 40 years ago, the new library has cleverly incorporated the surviving tower of the Church, including a beautiful rose window at the foot of the stairs as you enter the building. The children’s library is located on the ground floor of the new building. The entrance to the children’s space has used book spines to make an adult sized and child sized way in, which is proving very popular with children! (Book spine images kindly provided by Penguin Random House). Other features of the new children’s space are a lovely storytelling chair made by a local craftsman, and some innovative guiding for the non-fiction that uses artifacts to highlight different subjects. The area can also be separated with a folding partition, to create a space for class visits and other activities. The teenage stock has been moved to the first floor of the library on a new unit, and this has also seen an increase in borrowing. Peters were pleased to supply a substantial quantity of new stock for the children’s library. Ben Lawrence, Co-ordinator: Children and Young People's Library Service, said: “Our new library and amazing new stock has been a massive draw to Calderdale’s children and families. Children love exploring their new space and sharing stories with their families on the bean bags or the story sharing chair. Our fiction issue figures alone for the past three months have gone up by 170%. Our new collection of leisure non-fiction has increased issues by an amazing 235%.” To find out more about any aspect of the new Library, contact Ben Lawrence on 01422 392620 or email: ben.lawrence@calderdale.gov.uk. You can also find more information on Halifax’s Central Library by visiting their website.