Bristol’s newest library and learning centre
Area: South West
Grant recipient: Bristol City Council
Project: Junction 3 Library and Creative Learning Centre
Programme: Community Libraries
Date of award: 01/09/10
Amount awarded: £1,947,800
Junction 3, Bristol’s newest library opened in late March 2013 at Baptist Mills, Bristol near J3 of the M32 motorway- hence the name!
In 2009, the library building was funded by a grant of £1.95 million from the Big Lottery Fund Community Libraries programme and sits within a larger development at the site forming part of a £8.4 million partnership between Bristol City Council, Knightstone Housing Association and the Big Lottery Fund. The wider J3 site features seven commercial units, 59 residential units (51 one and two bedroom flats and 6 four bedroom housed) and a new public open space.
The development is built on derelict land and the idea for the library originated from local people, with a council consultation exercise in 2004 demonstrating overwhelming support. The site is on the border of the Lawrence Hill and Easton wards in one of the city’s most economically disadvantaged communities. In spite of this, there is a strong community spirit and the high ethnic population provides some areas of the wards with a vibrant multi racial environment. The Junction 3 site is adjacent to the community facilities of Millpond Primary School, the Mill Youth Centre and the Charlotte Keel Health Centre.
The existing Trinity Road Library is being replaced by a modern and accessible facility which has been shaped by extensive consultation by the city council and library service with the local community and representative organisations over several years. “The Library of Ideas” is a specially commissioned art installation by artists Davis & Jones incorporated into the stairwell of the building and made from items donated recently by people connected with the area. The objects form a portrait of the rich community that surrounds the library.
There is something for everyone at the new library. It will feature a bright and welcoming children's section with a full programme of baby bounce, story times and children’s activities. Free wi fi is accessible throughout the building and 14 computers for adults and children are available to use. As well as the latest fiction and non-fiction and books in community languages there are talking books and children’s DVDs for hire. Other facilities include learning and training rooms available for community rent and use including an ICT suite with laptops and the latest learning aids. Visitors will be able to relax and enjoy a coffee whilst they browse the newspapers and magazines.
The library will offer regular events and activities for all the community including reading groups, over 50s group, author talks and children’s homework support . There will be a full programme of activities for the opening day including Bhangra music and dancing, Mehndi hand painting, creative writing and graphic novel drawing sessions, a Wi tournament and local radio stations broadcasting live from the building for some of the day.
Mary Wyatt, Head of Millpond Primary School said:
“The pupils and staff are very excited about having a brand new community library on our doorstep. The library will be a great place for the children and their families to enjoy and access reading, information and learning. We are already planning regular class visits as soon as the building is open.”
Kate Murray, Head of Libraries said:
“Without the support of the Big Lottery Community Libraries Programme we would never have realised this amazing project, enabling us to contribute to the regeneration in the area. We hope the library and learning centre will be a new hub for work and leisure for local residents in Easton. The new housing on the site also gives an opportunity for local people to make a start on the housing ladder. We believe that this exciting development has the potential to be a one-stop shop for learning and leisure in the area, with a brand new library at its heart.”
For more information: http://www.bristol.gov.uk/page/leisure-and-culture/junction-3-library