Kier Construction (East Midlands) is near to completing a gleaming new library for Mansfield with many of the key features already in place.

The £3.4 million facility is expected to attract 300,000 visitors every year, who will be received in a modern new reception area with new carpets, ceiling and lighting. A second lift to the first and second floors has also been installed.

Those who choose to take the stairs will be able to see a giant digital wallpaper print of a map of the Mansfield area which was drawn in the 1830s. The Sanderson map sweeps round the wall by the side of the staircase and leads to the first floor, where the majority of the books will be shelved.


As well as a stock of around 35,000 books, the library will include 60 computers and also space for people to use laptops. Some of the computers will be located in the 'Discovery Room' where they will be used by students from West Notts College during the day before being freed up for the public to use at other times.

Beyond the main area of book shelves is a children's area, which is 30 per cent larger than at the previous library. There will be an interactive reading tunnel and reading tower where children can read and play at the same time.

Overlooking the first floor is a mezzanine level which will include books on science fiction and titles for younger people, as well as soft seating for laptop use and newspaper reading. Author talks and readings will also take place on the mezzanine level, while the second floor will feature a lecture theatre and meeting rooms.

Nottinghamshire's head of libraries Peter Gow said: "The new library is a transformation in the service provided to the people of Mansfield. Our aim has been to create something they can be proud of. It is the largest library in Nottinghamshire and the central one for the county."

Kier started work in September last year and books and other items are expected to be moved in by November ahead of the opening at the start of 2012.

(CD)