Hitchin Library will close next Thursday for the first week of a refurbishment which will add a toilet for public use.
The library will reopen on November 30, with limited access to some areas including the children’s area until a full reopening on December 21.
Kids’ stock will still be available to borrow during the renovation, with some computers open to the public on the ground floor.
Library manager Bekah Nicholas told the Comet: “We are all thrilled that we will soon have an improved community space to share with the people of Hitchin and surrounding area.
“We welcome questions about the refurbishment work and we hope to still see lots of borrowers during the period between November 30 and December 21 when work is ongoing. We offer our sincere apologies for any inconvenience or disruption caused during this time.
“We are very much looking forward to welcoming new and returning customers to the improved Hitchin Library, and will be planning some events to celebrate our revamped library with the community.”
The refurbishment will add comfy seating for families in the children’s area, an improved study space upstairs and more. Space restrictions caused by the work mean that early years activities will be suspended until December 21.
Further work will be done in the new year to further improve the ground floor.
Hitchin councillor Judi Billing, education spokesman for the Labour opposition at Herts County Council, has saluted the refurb as a happy ending to a prolonged campaign.
She said: “As a grandparent of tiny children I’ve very much enjoyed being able to take them to Hitchin Library for activities such as Baby Rhyme Time.
“It seemed so strange not to have a toilet for public use in such a well-used library. Taking part in the Inspiring Libraries consultation of 2014, I repeatedly made the point that a library can’t be very inspiring if you can’t even go to the loo in moments of greatest excitement and inspiration!
“It’s taken time, but it’s been a labour of love for me to see this refurbishment come to fruition. The addition of a public toilet is practical and worthwhile.”
You will be able to see updates on the library refurb’s progress on Twitter and Facebook, using the hashtag #HitLibRefurb.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here