An Artist impression of the new Lisnaskea Library
LISNASKEA is set for a revamp following the confirmation that a £1.5m library is to be built in the town centre with construction due to commence this November.
Hailed as the “new hub” of the community, the library boasts numerous facilities which locals can avail of including a public meeting room, coffee room and multi-purpose shared space facility.
It has been confirmed that work is due to start in November with a completion date set for the end of next year.
The new library will replace two derelict properties at 157 Main Street in the town which will provide a more convenient location for its users.
The current library site has been previously slammed for its difficult access at the top of the steep hill as well as the limited parking and poor public transport for locals.
A report into the current library site found that it is almost 50 per cent less than the need set by the Western Education and Library Board (WELB) services.
One of the architects behind the major project, Eamonn Monaghan, said the new library will provide endless facilities for all ages, including educational purposes while its central location will be easily accessible for the elderly.
Mr Monaghan of Keys and Monaghan Architects said: “As well as being a library it will also have a large public meeting room fit to hold up to 40 people, it will be a neutral shared space that different organisations can use.
“These rooms can be rented for group meetings like the historical society or the PSNI Neighbourhood Watch committee.
“The rooms are designed to be fairly adaptable to suit everyone’s needs.
“Art exhibitions can be hosted in the new library and there may be a possibility of a tourist information point.
“Its new location is very convenient for shoppers and school children and will be excellent for meeting points.”
The announcement of the new library was made last week and was welcomed by Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Sean Lynch.
He said: “This is great news for Lisnaskea and one which my party and I have lobbied for over several years.
“It is a massive boost for the town and will benefit the building firms in the area when the new build starts in November.
“This new library could be a hub for the community and much more than a place where people go to borrow books.
“There will be a coffee area and a place for adult learning with modern facilities and computers.
“Car parking spaces and easier access for customers will mean more visitors to the library.
“I want to praise the work of local councillors for their work in convincing the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) that this project should get the go ahead.
“On a recent visit to the town DCAL Minister Carál Ní Chuilín met with the local MP Michelle Gildernew, Sinn Fein councillor Ruth Lynch and myself where we laid out the benefits that a new
library would mean for the Lisnaskea.”
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