Shepherd’s Bush Library reopens after £150,000 refurbishment

By Owen Sheppard, Local Democracy Reporter

There will be no more leaks at Shepherd’s Bush Library, after it reopened following a £150,000 refurbishment.

Sat beside the sprawling Westfield Centre, the 12-year-old library reopened on Monday after closing its doors on January 1.

The council-run library now has an additional floor, a “warmer and more versatile” children’s library, and increased study space.

The entire building has been given a new turquoise floor, a new customer service desk, and “flexible event space”.

Hammersmith and Fulham Council said it “repaired multiple leaks” in the building, and has sealed heating grills and floor boxes that had become a “trip hazard”.

There’s also a new meeting room for residents to hire.

Councillor Wesley Harcourt, the council’s cabinet member for environment, said: “While many councils across the UK are closing libraries to save money, we’re investing in ours.

“There’s so much more to libraries than books. They’re essential hubs for the local community, hosting events, providing information and services well beyond loaning literature. Come see for yourself.”

Residents have been invited to an open day at the library from 10am tomorrow. There will be a theatre company performance, a crafts session, and children’s face painting.

Shepherd’s Bush Library replaced the 1890s Passmore Edwards Public Library in Uxbridge Road which in 2011 became the Bush Theatre.

Pictured top, a mother and daughter enjoying the new library (Picture: Hammersmith and Fulham council)