Library Flythrough
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Library

Construction on the dramatic new Canada Water library is now underway.  Click here for the latest edition of the Library Construction Newsletter.

The £13.7m construction contract with ISG Jackson was signed in March 2009 with works due to commence in the summer, and completion scheduled for early 2011.   Designed by leading architect Piers Gough of CZWG Architects, and located at the centre of a new civic plaza at Canada Water, it will be one of the first buildings to be developed in the area's regeneration.

February 2004   Initial consultation on library services began
August 2005  Initial drawings released by the architects and consultation on the design began
December 2006   Consultation results fed back
March 2007   Library design amended and finalised
July 2007       Planning consent 
Summer 2009    Construction commences
Early 2011 Building completed

Facilities

  • Fully accessible with longer, improved opening hours
  • Café with plaza and waterside views
  • Community performance space with seating for 150 people
  • Free access to internet and computers
  • Meeting rooms
  • Adult and family learning facilities
  • Handy-tills and council information
  • Toilets and baby changing facilities on every public level
  • One disabled adult changing facility
  • Buggy park
  • Two lifts
  • Substantial more stock than Rotherhithe Library
  • Adult, young people and children's library

Heritage

  • References to the history of Rotherhithe throughout the building
  • Local history books to buy and borrow
  • Panels and interactive displays that highlight the lives of local people
  • Information about the docks and other major employers
  • A major exhibition will be held to mark the opening of the building

Activities

  • Homework clubs
  • Study support
  • Reading groups
  • Story times
  • Advice sessions
  • Health promotions
  • Music performance and opportunities to perform
  • Drama and film screenings