Bungay: Views sought on scheme to improve library entrance

With the library foyer at Bungay Library in "urgent need of replacement", Suffolk Libraries and the Friends of Bungay Library are asking for people's views on proposed changes.

A scheme that would provide a larger and more welcoming and useful entrance area at the library and benefit the community is being developed.

The Friends of Bungay Library are contributing at least £10,000 towards the cost of the work and will be carrying out additional fundraising to support the project.

It is hoped that Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding from East Suffolk Council and Bungay Town Council can also be secured for the project.

With Suffolk Libraries launching a public consultation, views are sought to help provide evidence for the funding bid for this project.

Detailed plans are available to view at the library, but the benefits of the proposals include a larger foyer area with automatic doors to provide better access for older or disabled customers and those with prams or buggies.

The new foyer plans include a storage facility for chairs, folding tables and other equipment, with additional space provided for information displays.

The new foyer will also offer a better view to the library garden.

Sylvia Knights, trustee of the Friends of Bungay Library, said: "We're very excited about these plans which would make a huge difference to our library and the experience people have as they come through the door.

"The changes would make the building more accessible, give us a larger and more flexible space and allow us to put on more events and activities.

"The more people who take part in the survey the more likely we are to secure the funding we need."

Hard copies of the survey can be obtained from Bungay Library.

The survey can also be completed online and will run until Thursday, April 8.