Opening date confirmed for new library

Clare WordenNorfolk
News imageNorfolk County Council The new King's Lynn Library has distinctive cladding that looks a bit like dragon scales. It is coloured in shades of brown. In the foreground is a road closed sign. Norfolk County Council
The new King's Lynn Library has been built in the centre of town

A new library in Norfolk that is six months behind schedule and over budget will open on 16 March, it has been announced.

Norfolk County Council confirmed the opening date for the new building in King's Lynn, which was costing £2m more than planned.

The refit of the old Argos store on New Conduit Street has cost £17m.

The old library in the Carnegie Building on London Road will close on 14 February to allow time for the books and equipment to be moved.

News imageJames Goodman-Stephens Beautiful old fashioned building which houses King's Lynns Library. It is dark honey coloured stone with lots of windows. James Goodman-Stephens
The old library building was given to the people of King's Lynn in 1905 by Andrew Carnegie - the Scottish-US businessman and philanthropist

The arts organisation The Garage is taking over the Carnegie Building after it was sold to them in January last year.

The decision to sell the building was challenged in the courts.

The new library is based across three floors and has dedicated areas for children and young people, a business library and space for the town's historical documents to be stored and displayed.

In a Facebook post confirming the opening date, Norfolk County Council said: "The new library is larger than the previous library, and in a central location.

"This makes it more accessible to the people of King's Lynn as well as providing more space for activities and - most importantly - books."

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