Acomb Explore Centre in Front Street reopened this week – to a rapturous reception.
The York library reopened on Monday (5 January), after it had been closed for an upgrade costing more than £400K.
One visitor told YorkMix they were delighted to see the library ‘mobbed’ on its first day back open, adding “I’ve never seen it so busy”.
Online, people queued up to praise the refurb. “It looks amazing! Love it!” said one. Another posted: “It looks fantastic! We are so happy you’re back”.
Inside, the layout has changed, with new features like a bigger, more colourful children’s area, study pod, a teenage area, new chairs, upgraded and new toilets.
The upgrade was largely funded by the government’s Libraries’ Investment Fund, funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and administered by Arts Council England which put in £250,000, while the council’s Future Libraries Fund contributed £100,000.
The café has had a refresh too with new seating and décor and a huge new servery to make food prep and service even better.
Visitors can enjoy a great cup of tea or coffee, freshly-prepared sandwiches, wraps, cakes and home-cooked hot dishes throughout the colder months.
Menus change seasonally, with monthly specials, and aim to cater for all, with child-friendly, and vegetarian, vegan and free-from options.
And they had an incredible ‘packed’ opening day, with many families enjoying the new facilities continually throughout the whole day.
Libraries are such an important institution, and it’s wonderful that so many people have been showing up to support their local library. Long may it continue.
Acomb Explore Centre is open Monday to Saturday. Take a look at their website for opening times and more information.
Take a look at the all-new library in our gallery below.
Gallery
