DESIGN.. the building has been designed to allow lots of natural light into the spacious areas that will be used by the public
WITH THE opening of the new £1.5m library in Lisnaskea just weeks away, the Fermanagh Herald was given access to the building by way of a ‘sneak preview as to what’s the come.
Last week, scaffolding covering the front of the library building – which will replace the existing library at Drumhaw – was removed, revealing a modern and attractive outer face.
The work on the library has been ongoing since late 2013, and is set to add a new lease of life to the town, replacing two derelict properties at 157 main street.
While library hours across the county are to be reduced as part of cost-cutting measures by Libraries NI, assurances have been made that these cuts will not affect Lisnaskea’s new library.
As the photographs show, the architects, Irvinestown partnership Keys and Monaghan, have opted for an innovative design, with Woodvale Construction as contractors. The outer side of the building, at both the front and the back, uses modern glass panelling.
Inside, users can expect a public meeting room, coffee room and multi-purpose shared space facility. And while furniture and flooring is yet to be installed, the photographs will surely whet the appetite of library users.
The new facility will be a lot more spacious than the current building and there will be extra space over the two floors for people to sit, browse, relax and socialise. The meeting room will be available for use by local community groups and organisations.
The completion of the library is due next month.
Meanwhile, with control of car parking in the county set to be given to the new council from April 1, Sinn Fein MLA, Sean Lynch said that he hopes that the carpark at the back of the new library could be developed.
“Off street carparks will become the function of the new councils from 1st April,” he explained, “Lisnaskea is a vibrant and lively town and with a number of new businesses opening and with the new library, there will be an increase in footfall in the centre of the town.
“Sinn Fein will be lobbying the new council to look at purchasing some of the vacant plots of land at the rear of the new library to increase the number of car parking spaces available. This is in the best interests of the prosperity of the businesses, the liveliness of the town and the safety of the local people.”
A spokesman from Fermanagh District Council said: “The Lisnaskea old skip site is currently rented to a contractor building the library and after construction is complete, it will revert back to council control. A future decision will need to be taken regarding the use of the site after construction of the library is complete. This, however, will be a decision for Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.”
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