Jeremy Paxman opens new Shepherds Bush Library
Monday September 14, 2009
Jeremy Paxman officially opened the brand new Shepherds Bush Library earlier today (Monday, September 14), together with the most prolific child-reader in London.....a five year old boy!
Newsnight presenter Jeremy Paxman is an avid library user, and with the new library situated just a stones’ throw from his office at BBC Television Centre, it could not be more conveniently placed for him.
Jeremy said: "I'm thrilled to open a new library at a time when so many supposed clever-clogs are predicting their end. It's fantastic to have something like this in this part of town. A world without access to information and ideas is a world without light."
‘Paxo’ opened Britain’s most innovative library, found in the heart of the Westfield Shopping Centre, with five year-old Benjamin Chang – the most well-read five year-old in the capital.
Having read an incredible 306 books in the last nine months, Benjamin, of Brackenbury Road, Hammersmith, is well-qualified to know what makes a good library.
Benjamin, who started at Brackenbury Primary School earlier this month, said: “The new library is fantastic. I love reading books and looking at the pictures. My favourite book is Winnie the Pooh. I read as many books as I can and also enjoy drawing. I have not read any of Jeremy Paxman’s books yet.”
Benjamin borrowed all of the 306 books from the old Shepherds Bush Library, on the Uxbridge Road, and is well known to library staff. The good news for Benjamin is that the new £2 million library has a dedicated new children’s space as well as a new stock of computer games, CDs and DVDs that he can also borrow.
Benjamin’s mother, Jinsong, 35, said: “Benjamin was always borrowing books from the old library and I know that he is very impressed with the new building. A lot of the time I read the books to him but he does enjoy reading them himself. I’m very proud of him for reading so much. As long as he is having fun I am happy.”
The new Shepherds Bush Library houses over 10,000 new books for Benjamin and other readers to choose from.
Cllr Paul Bristow, cabinet member for residents’ services, said: “Many thanks to Jeremy Paxman and Benjamin Chang for officially opening the new Shepherds Bush Library today.
“Benjamin is a real character and is exactly the kind of person that we want to attract to the new library. The new building is the most innovative library in the country and the perfect place for young people like Benjamin to learn about new things. I am sure that he will be amazed with what he sees. The library allows us to provide cutting-edge services to an area with one of the highest footfalls in the capital.
“The building is sure to be a real surprise for people who don’t usually visit our libraries. Make sure that you pop in next time you are doing your shopping at Westfield. I am sure you will be impressed.”
One of the most innovative aspects of the new library is the ‘Work Zone’ facility which sees Ealing Hammersmith & West London College and Job Centre Plus join with the council to provide a dedicated recruitment and retention service for retailers and employers to fill their jobs locally. Borough residents can benefit from work specific training such as food hygiene certification which is needed to work in many of the restaurants and employability skills including job interview techniques. There's also financial help with initial childcare costs for unemployed residents who secure Westfield jobs and a planned young persons' Westfield work experience service.
Cllr Bristow added: “Residents will be thrilled to know that the library has been built at no cost to local taxpayers. The library and Work Zone have been built and fitted out by Westfield Ltd at a cost of over £2million, as part of the detailed negotiations for community benefits when planning consent for the shopping centre was granted. This building really is the jewel in the crown for libraries in London.”
Duncan Bower, Westfield Development Director, said: "Westfield has worked closely with the council to build a contemporary library which will greatly enhance the learning, training and leisure resource for local residents. It will be a great addition to the centre, located along the lively Southern Terrace and easily accessible from the centre and Shepherds Bush Green. As a flagship for the borough, we're extremely proud to welcome the library as part of the scheme."
The celebrations will continue on Saturday September 19 when a huge family fun day will take place. The fun day will feature Punch and Judy, facepainting and craft workshops.
The new Shepherds Bush Library also features:
- More study space with Wi Fi connection and more public access PCs
- Friendly, floorwalking staff to help customers find what they need
- New teenage area with computer games, music mixing software and chill-out space
- Self service for borrowing and returning books
- Lots of new books, CDs and DVDs to browse and borrow
- Dedicated spaces for quiet reading and for children's activities
- Meeting and exhibition spaces
» Watch the video on YouTube (opens new window)
» See more pictures on our Flickr photo gallery (opens new window)
