THE Mayor of Wellington declared the town’s new look library a “great privilege” at its official opening following investment of nearly £1m.

Councillor Janet Lloyd cut the ribbon to officially declare the new facility open on Wednesday (October 2) after it closed in May last year so work could get underway.

The public were able to see the new-look library, which boasts a series of improvements to accessibility, when it opened its doors for the first time on Monday, September 30.

The building was closed on May 6, 2023, ahead of the planned £900,000 facelift, with the service temporarily relocating to the Northfield Centre.

The Mayor of Wellington Cllr Lloyd said: “There is nothing worse than somebody having to ring a bell to get up the stairs or wait for somebody to bring out a ramp because in those days we had to arrange to come in the back door.

“There are rooms on this floor and the floors above. Everything can be used now by partners of the NHS and other services to talk to people.

“It’s a great privilege to see this wonderful new climate-friendly building.”

Councillor Ross Henley, from Somerset Council, said: “This is really exciting. It’s a major investment into upgrading Wellington library by the Somerset Council.”

Somerset County Council allocated funding in February 2022 to upgrade the library after efforts to relocate the amenity to a new, more modern site had come to nothing.

The county council undertook numerous improvements including improved accessibility, the introduction of new and larger spaces, and increased thermal efficiency to the Grade-II listed building, which has been in use as a library since 1969.

A new interactive projector has been installed which offers benefits to a range of people, including speech instruction sessions and activities for dementia patients.

As part of a Somerset Council project, the library will also be taking part in a coat exchange, a project to provide warm coats to children who might not otherwise have access to one.

Strategic manager for libraries, Darren Smart BEM said: “The coat exchange is entirely community driven. It’s done here because all libraries are deemed to be very neutral.

“We want to maximise the output here. We also loan blood pressure monitors and activity trackers which are all part of a health offer. It’s a prevention attempt as well as direct intervention.”

Cllr Lloyd also presented three thermal imaging cameras which have been bought in partnership with the library which will be available for Wellington residents to borrow and check the energy efficiency of their home.

Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts, portfolio holder for communities, culture, equalities and diversity at Somerset Council, said: “We’re thrilled to have Wellington Library back in Fore Street.

“The upgraded premises will serve as a vibrant hub for both the local community and visitors.”

Wellington Library will be open from 9.30am to 5pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and from 9.30am to 1pm on Thursdays and Saturdays.