New Library Opening At Westcroft

29 January 2019, 17:27 | Updated: 29 January 2019, 17:29

Despite libraries closing or facing closure in many parts of the country, one's just RE-OPENED today in Milton Keynes.

Following a £1.2m investment; the new purpose built library at Westcroft has opened today, featuring a children’s section designed in the style of a knight’s castle and with new furniture throughout at Wimborne Crescent.

New Libraries Xtra technology will provide out of hours access via membership swipe cards and the library has greatly extended its opening hours including Sundays.

Westcroft is the latest MK library to receive investment.  

Last year Bletchley Library had a £700,000 refurbishment.  

MK Council says it's commited to keeping libraries open and improving and this sets MK against the national trend, where spending on libraries fell by £30m in 2017-18 and some 127 libraries closed.

There are nine libraries in MK plus a mobile service.  Last year, they issued more than 850,000 books and added around 22,000 new titles while almost 6,000 new borrowers signed up.  In the past year, 12,560 people attended more than 800 library events and activities and 74,034 computer sessions were logged by members of the public.

Crime is the most popular genre for adults in MK.  

The most borrowed books overall are in children’s fiction; Tom Gates books by Liz Pinchon, Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney and Dork Diaries by Rachel Rene Russell.

Libraries across MK have been adopting new technology and new ways of working.  

Kingston Library has a purpose built second floor for tenants and also offers out of hours access via membership swipe cards – currently being considered for other sites.