Southgate Library is returning to is original home, in a move that will offer Enfield Council the flexibility to host a variety of activities and events to meet local demand.
This will mean the library can be a real hub for the Southgate community and could become a venue for local clubs, events and possibly evening activities, with a particular focus on activities for young people. It re-opens on the High Street on Monday 19 August.
The library already has a wide variety of books but its move will allow for a greater number of PCs and other equipment. It will be located at ground-level with an on-street entrance, making it fully accessible.
Enfield Council’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Ian Barnes, had a sneak preview of the library’s new premises, which will require some renovations to make it suitable for use. He said: “The move is expected to bring a new lease of life for Southgate Library. The revived service will provide an exciting hub for the Southgate community with many prospects being considered for the new space including class visits and Toddler Times. We are investigating partnership opportunities and delivering exciting events. Equally the building will become an important provision for young people. We hope to be able to confirm a number of new activities in the near future.”
Cllr Barnes was joined by Eve and Dan Brotzel, who are local to Southgate and use the library services regularly with their three children. They have been keen to see a new location for the library with better visibility from the high street and more resources.
Ms. Brotzel said: “We are very encouraged that Enfield Council’s library service will able to resume the previous space. It would be wonderful to have more classes and activities in the new library, particularly for children and young adults. We hope that this is the start of something really exciting for the area.”
The current site will close today, 16 August, at 4pm with the new library opening on Monday 19 August at 9am. If library users have any items that are due back on 17 or 18 August, they can be returned on 19 August at no charge.
If you would be interested in volunteering in the new library, please go to our volunteering webpage at www.enfield.gov.uk/iloveenfield for details. To find out about the wide range of services in all 17 of Enfield’s libraries, click here.