Almondbury Library holds fun filled open day in exciting new dementia-friendly building
Almondbury, the first library in Kirklees to be redesigned using subtle dementia design principles, held a fun filled open day on 13 July to officially launch a move to their new premises.
Creating an inclusive environment
The lighting, acoustics, furniture, walls, carpet and signage were all considered and there are cues and clues to help people use the library as independently as possible. The aim is for all staff and volunteers to be Dementia Friends.
The library launch coincided with this year’s Summer Reading Campaign which saw 27 children sign up for the first two days of the challenge at Almondbury – a great start given that, last year, 30 children signed up over the whole summer.
What happened at the open day?
Activities on the day included gaming workshops for families run by Imagination Gaming; a space themed activity using recycled material run by Fair and Funky and a science based activity where visitors made a star and, using copper wire, made it light up. There was also music by drumalou as well as games to entertain visitors such as giant Jenga.
The event was attended by VIP guests including the Mayor and Mayoress, Councillor Graham Turner, Mark Freeman, President of Libraries Connected and Sue Williamson, Director for Libraries, Arts Council England.
Cllr Graham Turner, Cabinet member for Corporate Services, said:
“This investment in creating a dementia friendly modern library at the heart of the community, demonstrates what can be achieved by working with partners and residents. I’m sure this new library will go from strength to strength as it becomes the centre for the whole of the Almondbury community.
I would like to personally thank the Mayor and Mayoress and our VIP guests for joining us on such a special occasion, not only for Almondbury residents but for the rest of Kirklees, as we start our ambitious programme to invest in our library services over the next few years.”
Future developments could see activities like craft clubs, armchair exercises, job club and IT sessions taking place.
Kirklees Council Chief Librarian Carol Stump cut a library themed celebration cake and the Mayor planted a tree to mark the occasion.
Carol Stump said:
“Kirklees Libraries are extremely proud and pleased that Almondbury Library is open in its new venue. We have created a vibrant, inclusive and dementia friendly space that is open for all. Staff have worked very hard to make this happen.”
Since the move, library staff have issued more books compared to the same period last year. Membership has also increased as 52 people joined the library since being at the new location.
Could you be a library volunteer?
Libraries aren’t just about reading, learning, and literacy. They are about people and the communities they love. If you like reaching out to people and have some spare time then consider becoming a Library Volunteer. We need people to help on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Email us at volunteer.recruitment@kirklees.gov.uk or call 01484 414868 and ask for Huddersfield Library.
Change to opening times
Our new opening times are as follows: Monday 1pm to 5pm; Tuesday 10am to 1pm; Thursday 2pm to 7pm; Saturday 10am to 1pm.
We are closed on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.