Oxford,
13
January
2020
|
16:10
Europe/London

New library opens to serve Barton’s growing community

Oxfordshire’s libraries are expanding services to Oxfordshire residents with the launch of a new community library at the Barton Neighbourhood Centre at Barton, Oxford.

The new community library is part of a community-led project between Oxfordshire County Council, which runs the library service, Oxford City Council and the Barton Community Association.

The new community library is another sign of Oxfordshire County Council’s commitment to its library service, with 44 libraries now serving communities across the county and a home library service supporting those unable to get out to their local branch. The refurbished Oxfordshire County Library at the Westgate Centre reopened in 2018 and in February, Botley library will move to its brand new home in the West Way development.

Despite the pressure to make saving across local government, with the support of communities and volunteers Oxfordshire libraries remain open for business and at the heart of their communities. The Barton Community Association will provide support to deliver the service and activities offered by the new community library, taking full responsibility for running the community library next year.

The new community library will serve the growing community in Barton, including the Barton Park development, with 885 new homes and a further 3,000 new residents. The new community library will expand the range of cultural services on offer to the whole community of all ages. The community library will run story times, rhyme times as well as providing online access and support to the community.

Councillor Lorraine Lindsay-Gale, Oxfordshire County Council cabinet member for Education & Cultural Services, said:

“I am proud that Oxfordshire County Council has maintained all of its libraries throughout a period when some councils had to close theirs. Now we are starting a new era for the service which will see a wider range of services provided, serving residents of all ages as part of their communities. So it is a great pleasure to see our first, new community library opening in Barton. I know it will add an exciting new service for the community.”

Cllr Marie Tidball, City Council Cabinet Member for Supporting Local Communities said:

“This library is a great resource for the local community and I’m delighted that by working together with the County Council and the Barton Community Association we’ve been able to put a library at the heart of the community. We’re investing in the existing Barton area, with the £1 million refurbished centre as well as the new parks, play areas and sports facilities that are all part of the Barton Park development. We want to see everyone here having the same great opportunities as elsewhere in the city, and the library is another great addition to the community.”

Barton Community Library is accessible when Barton Neighbourhood Centre is open, 9am - 5pm Monday to Thursday.

Further details on the service offered at Barton can be found at:

www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/residents/leisure-and-culture/libraries/find-library/barton-community-library