Millions for libraries

1:05pm Tuesday 30th October 2007

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Libraries in Wandsworth, Sutton, Croydon and Merton are to share in almost £5million in lottery cash.

The Big Lottery Fund has handed £1.4million to Wandsworth library to set up a new computer learning area, a space for 10 to 15 year olds, self-service book returns and green energy measures.

Sutton gets £1.4million to build a new two-storey library and community centre, while Merton will use its £950,000 grant to expand its current library by almost a third, creating more room for community activities and learn-to-read classes.

Croydon gets £1.3million to extend the existing library built in Thornton Heath in 1914.

Councillor Steve Hollands, Croydon's cabinet member for culture and sport, said the money would bring the library into the 21st century.

"Thornton Heath library is a much used community facility and this grant will enable us to modernise, redesign and refurbish the library," he said.

"It will help us provide a centre for community learning and development that is open and accessible to all."

Big Lottery Fund's Debbie Pippard said: "An increasing number of people are using library services in London and it is clear that our local libraries are at their best when they act as focal points for community life providing a range of reading, learning and information activities for the city's multicultural and diverse population.

"Today's awards will bring the capital funds needed to transform or modify library buildings to provide a wide range of community uses."