Look Out For The Pop-Up Libraries


Wimbledon town centre will be one venue

Merton Libraries will be popping up around the borough – including Wimbledon town centre - with the launch of Library Connect.

Making access to libraries more convenient for residents, Library Connect is a project set up to create pop-up libraries in vacant shop premises and other venues across the borough.

With full details and times being announced this month, upcoming Library Connect locations already planned include the Wimbledon Piazza in late September, Centre Court Shopping Centre in October and South Mitcham Community Centre in November.

Library Connect will take the library experience to new places on a temporary basis providing a range of books which can be loaned out as well as activities for all the family. People will be able to browse the internet and there will also be free WiFi as part of the service.

Cabinet member for community and culture, Councillor Nick Draper, said: "I'm really excited about this new service we are offering. Not only do we provide one of the best library services in London, we are now hitting our streets to find vacant venues to make sure that as many people as possible can make the most of libraries in Merton.

"This is another example of how our libraries are adapting to suit the needs of our customers – Library Connect is a great way for people who are on the move to become a library member as well as those who don’t have a library close to them. If you spot a library popping up near you, be sure to call in and see what’s on offer!"

Visit merton.gov.uk/libraries for the latest updates on Library Connect.

The council is also progressing plans to develop and improve West Barnes Library following initial positive feedback from local residents.

It is carrying out further consultation with the local community on what facilities they would like to see in a new improved West Barnes library on the same site. The consultation will take place from September 12 to October 24. Residents can give their feedback on the council website or by filling out a questionnaire available at West Barnes or any other Merton library.

Carried out over the last three years, the initial consultation formed part of the council's broader Sites and Policies Development Plan and a number of positive comments were received from local residents in support of a new improved library to include a community hall, public toilets and a larger library floor.

September 8, 2014