Antrim Library

On 21 April 2006 the then Libraries Minister David Hanson MP unveiled government plans for a new £2 million state of the art library for Antrim.  

There has been no permanent library accommodation in Antrim since 2001 when the ceiling of the library in Church Street collapsed, resulting in closure of the building. Between 2001 and 2005 library services were provided using extended opening hours at Greystone Library (in the suburbs of Antrim) together with a mobile service in the town centre on Saturdays.

At the beginning of 2005 the North Eastern Education and Library Board (NEELB) entered into a short term leasing arrangement for a retail property in the town centre and library services are currently located from these temporary premises.

In January 2006 the NEELB submitted a revised Economic Appraisal for the provision a new library in Antrim with an estimated cost of £2.2m (2005/06 prices). The scheme provides for a purpose built library, of around 1220sq.m., on a site owned by the NEELB in the town centre.

The work is scheduled to commence in July 2008 and take approximately 16 months to complete.

Making the announcement the Minister said: “Since the beginning of 2005 Antrim Library has been located in temporary premises in a retail unit in the town centre. This is far from adequate in the 21st century and does not permit the full range of library services to be provided.

“I am committed to delivering improvements in Northern Ireland’s library services and am pleased to be able to announce the provision of over £2 million for a new library building on a site in Railway Street.

“The provision of this new facility underpins government’s commitment and symbolises our vision of a new library service fit for the next generation. Libraries should be customer focused, inviting and welcoming and as well as making a valuable contribution to lifelong learning and social inclusion.

“The public library service plays an important part in our lives. For that reason I have been consulting on ways in which to deliver that service to reflect modern day needs. As a result of the consultation I will be publishing a policy framework which will underpin and guide the development and delivery of a modern, affordable library service which will meet the needs of both individual and community.”