When Essex County Council launched its Library Services Consultation in 2019 there was great concern among constituents in Shenfield, Ingatestone and North Weald that their libraries were being ear-marked for closure.
Since then I have been campaigning to save our libraries, have raised the importance of the local library in Parliament, and talked and written to concerned residents.
It was very clear to me that the Shenfield Library site offered a wonderful opportunity to rebuild the dishevelled old library and put flats above it to help pay for it and provide much needed new housing in a prime location by the station. Six years later, the new Shenfield Library has opened as a modern, 21st century library and community hub.
Last week a team of library staff – both new and old – have already been hosting events for children and families at the library over half term with more than 1800 people attending on just one day. Where previously there was concern libraries were being underused, now it seems young readers are now going to be some of the greatest users. Already more picture books have had to be ordered to fill the shelves.
The new library space now offers a place to go to read, study, meet and chat. Above the library are nine apartments – all of which have been sold already – and their sale has off set the cost of the build by Essex Housing – a partner organisation with Essex County Council which is making the most of redeveloping sites to make them eco-friendly, modern and buildings for the future.
There will be IT courses starting and CV writing and interview training courses to support people getting back to work. The hours at the library have also increased to 6 days a week with a late night on a Thursday, and there’s a meeting room for small events and community gatherings.
All in all, the old, draughty 1960s building has been replaced with a fabulous new building which enhances the centre of Shenfield and will provide library services and a community hub for many years to come. Congratulations to all involved in its development in the last six years, and thank you to the people of Shenfield for being so supportive throughout this time.
