New Haxby and Wigginton Library opens
Local Councillors have welcomed the opening of the new Haxby and Wigginton Library. The area has been without a permanent library for the last 6 years - but now thanks to investment from City of York Council, the library has found a new home at Oaken Grove Community Centre.
The new improved Oaken Grove Community Centre has reopened today (3rd January).
The modern and accessible library will hold 10,000 books, a children’s library, a separate area for teenagers, PCs and free wi-fi, and the new reading café will feature an outdoor terrace. Many of the new Explore library have been chosen by local residents through local consultations.
Activities for all ages from under 5s story times and Lego clubs, to readers’ groups and craft clubs will start this month. Based on local resident feedback, the library will have longer opening hours – it will be open six days a week with extended Saturday opening hours.
Improvements to the community centre include a large central entrance with improved storage space, and new and refurbished community rooms for hire as well as upgraded toilets, kitchen and offices. The building is also more energy efficient with better lighting and heating and will be much easier to maintain in the future. Accessibility for users with disabilities has been improved as well.
Local councillors took the opportunity to visit the new facilities just before the Christmas Holidays – find pictures attached of their visit.
Haxby and Wigginton Lib Dem Councillor Andrew Hollyer said: "We'd like to thank everyone that has helped make this possible, from City of York Council and Explore York to Oaken Grove's Trustees and volunteers.
"A new library for Haxby and Wigginton was one of our key priorities for the ward when elected in 2019 and we're pleased to have delivered on this for our communities.
"It’s been a long road since the old library was forced to close back in 2016, but everyone that has seen the new library so far has said it’s been well worth the wait!"