New chapter for Hamworthy library (From Bournemouth Echo)

New chapter for Hamworthy library

9:00am Monday 8th March 2010 in

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Hamworthy residents turned out in force to welcome their new state-of-the-art library on Saturday.

Hundreds of people, from toddlers to pensioners, poured in to finally get a taste of the modern new facilities.

Children bounced and tumbled on the soft play equipment, and internet enthusiasts surfed the web on the computer terminals.

Some simply settled for a cup of coffee and a newspaper in the café.

The official opening marked the end of a year-long, £2.1 million transformation of the Blandford Road site.

Poole MP Robert Syms, who helped open the library, said: “The facilities for the population of Hamworthy have not always been what they should but now they have a library to be proud of.”

Poole’s town crier David Squires rang out the news of the opening on Saturday morning.

He was joined by other dignitaries, including Mayor of Poole Cllr Charles Meachin and the council’s leisure portfolio holder Peter Adams.

Guests throughout the day included cartoon heroes Wallace and Gromit, Daily Echo editor Neal Butterworth and children’s author Shoo Rayner.

Among the library’s other new facilities are a media room to create music and podcasts, flatscreen TVs to advertise community events and an increased stock of books, CDs and DVDs.

Library user and Hamworthy resident Paul Thompson, 38, was wowed by the library’s new look.

He said: “It’s very impressive and there is something for everyone.”

The library renovation has been funded by money from the Big Lottery Fund and the council.

l Volunteers are being sought to run the library’s Book Bites café. Contact Pat Bullock on 01202 686823 or Mary Hardwick on 01202 676766 if you can help.