Mayor officially reopens Central Library

Sutton Central Library has officially reopened its doors following a major £700,000 refurbishment designed to bring it into the 21st century.  

The library closed last November as work got underway to create a modern, welcoming environment for library users, with a refreshed stock and upgraded computer facilities.

On Thursday (17 May) the Mayor of Sutton, Cllr Jean Crossby, welcomed school children from Robin Hood Junior School in Sutton who attended a specially organised ‘Fairytale Theatre’ production of Alice in Wonderland. The Mayor then cut a ribbon at the library entrance to officially unveil the facility in front of invited guests.  

Highlights of the refurbishment include:

• A new children’s library on the ground floor featuring the latest interactive technology including a touch screen table with educational games and a sensory light wall

• The revamped ground floor has an improved cafe, toilets, baby change facilities and buggy park

• New self-service machines for taking out and returning books

• Upgraded computers, with scanning, printing and free wi-fi

• New and professional gallery space for exhibitions on the top floor, featuring full AV

• A  family history centre with easy access to many historic documents from Sutton’s extensive archives, along with dedicated access to the genealogy website, Ancestry.com

• Dedicated study spaces including quiet zone

• Business pod available to hire for meetings

The Mayor, Cllr Crossby, said: “I am delighted to officially open the newly refurbished Central Library. This is a wonderful new facility which gives people in Sutton a modern, vibrant and inspirational space which will serve them well for many years to come.

“I am particularly delighted to to see the mayoral chains of office on display at the Central Library for the first time as they are not generally available for the public to view. Incorporating heritage cases into the library will enable us to make much more use of the many wonderful artifacts we have in the borough.”

Madeline Barratt, Head of Libraries, Heritage and Arts said: “Refurbishing the library has been a labour of love and I am delighted to see our vision come to life.”

“Sutton Central Library is the flagship site for the service and was badly in need of modernisation. This is a significant investment by the council in the Libraries, Heritage and Arts service and is a testament to the importance the council places on cultural services.”

“Feedback has been incredibly positive from adults and children alike. The modern design and new technology is drawing students into the library and our study spaces are regularly full.”

For more information visit www.sutton.gov.uk/libraries