First pictures of London's newest library

by Hammersmith and Fulham Press Office
16/12/2008

The first pictures of how London's newest library will look were on show at a special exhibition.

Artist’s impressions of the modern, high-tech Shepherds Bush Library were on display at the current library on Uxbridge Road until the end of 2008.

On display were plans showing the full range of facilities the new building next to the Westfield shopping centre on Wood Lane will offer when it opens next summer.

As well as stocking items such as books, newspapers, magazines, CDs and DVDs, there will continue to be a study space and internet access. Residents will have meeting places, and there are also proposed areas for children and teenagers to play on a Wii computer or listen to music downloaded from the internet.

Cabinet member for residents’ services, Councillor Paul Bristow, said: “The new Shepherds Bush Library will be slap bang in the middle of Westfield London. We are taking our services to one of the highest footfall areas in Britain and this truly will be one of Britain's most innovative public libraries.

“It has been designed specifically to cater for our residents’ needs, which are continually changing as more and more technical advances are made. The building will be ideally situated to attract residents who maybe never thought to visit our libraries before and if we can encourage people to come into the library, then that can only be a good thing.”

New aspects to the library include self-service terminals, which mean that the process of taking out books or CDs will be quicker and easier. Opening hours will be extended, the building will be kitted out in state-of-the-art furnishings and fittings, and there will be a separate employment bureau with interview facilities run by the council’s regeneration team.