Huge rise in new members at Bicester's brand new library

More than 1,000 new members have joined Bicester library since it opened its doors for the first time on 11 April.

Visitors have been pouring into the new facility, which was created by Oxfordshire County Council and Cherwell District Council as part of Franklins House - the new community building at the heart of the multimillion-pound regeneration of Bicester Town Centre.

The county council’s Cabinet Member for Cultural Services Lorraine Lindsay-Gale said: “In just six weeks we have enrolled 1,037 new members and that really is tremendous news. We know that people are impressed with the improved facilities and we believe this is a sign that the library is already becoming a focal point for the growing town of Bicester.

“Libraries are no longer just about the number of books issued. They have a much wider role including digital access to council services. Bicester is leading the way.”

New facilities

The new library is larger than the previous facility, has more public access computers, WiFi, a broader choice of books and audio visual items and increased opportunities to join in with regular activities such as weekly rhyme-times for babies and toddlers, family learning activities and reading groups and we are hoping to start a Code Club helping young people learn and understand computer/ICT coding in a fun way for in the near future.

Bicester Local History Society and Cherwell District Council Bicester Job Club have their own dedicated areas in the library and there is a fortnightly Job Club surgery in the Bicester Connect area of the facility.

There is a Cherwell District Council Link Point alongside a restaurant and both office and retail space in the new building that also plays host to the library.

The project to create the new facility was paid for by developers as part of the expansion of Bicester.

To find out about all the changes happening in Bicester, visit www.growingbicester.co.uk. This website has been established following feedback from residents and traders who have requested more information and consultation regarding the town’s growth.