Revamped library opens two floors before Christmas

A city's library which is undergoing a £3.3m transformation is to partially reopen before Christmas.

Carlisle Library will operate from its second and third floors from Tuesday to allow residents "to enjoy book browsing, borrowing, returns, and renewals".

David Wright, chair of the Carlisle Town Deal Board, said the opening was "particularly important for those with young families, limited resources and those distant from their family at this time of year".

The council said until the full reopening in spring, library links would remain open at Morton Manor, Denton Holme, Harraby, Carlisle West, Longtown, and Brampton, offering book borrowing, computer access and wi-fi.

Digital services will continue operating with adult learning services ongoing at the Civic Centre, the council said.

The revamp is being funded by the government as part of a £19.7m Carlisle Town Deal programme.

As part of the transformation, which includes a children's zone, new study spaces, adult learning classrooms and structural repairs, Cumberland Council released photographs of the work so far.

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