A new state-of-the-art public library is to open in Hackney, the first to be built in the borough for more than 20 years.
Dalston CLR James, set to open its doors on January 23, is twice the size of CLR James library which it is replacing - making it one of the country's largest.It is spread across three floors covering nearly 3,000 square metres and features separate adult, children and teenager sections.
It will also feature a "quick picks" area where those pressed for time can select a best-seller, and issue it to themselves using self-service machines.
Council bosses said the move showed they are "committed" to library services, amid widespread cutbacks across the capital.
Hackney council's cabinet member for health, social care and culture, Jonathan McShane, said: "The council is committed to ensuring that in Hackney we continue to improve our libraries for the benefit of all residents.
"We want this brand new library to be a community hub, somewhere that all residents can make use of whether it's for books, study space, the free use of computers or to hold community meetings and events." The building will stock more than 32,000 items - including 9,500 children's books and 17,000 for adults, as well as more than 1,600 free CDs and DVDs.
It also has 20 dedicated study spaces, 57 computers and free wi-fi.
The library is set to house Hackney Archives, which includes more than 20,000 historic photographs and property records dating back to 1356.
Council bosses in Brent said they have cleared all stock from five of the six libraries it axed last year, despite protests by campaigners. Police were required to prevent Brent SOS Libraries campaigners obstructing council vehicles outside Preston Library.
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-24026548-hackneys-new-super-library-set-to-open-its-doors.do
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