Middlesbrough Central Library celebrates official re-opening

The beautifully refurbished Middlesbrough Central Library held a special celebration event last week to mark its re-opening.

The historic Central Library – 114 years old and a true icon of the town centre – has been given a new lease of life thanks to nearly £2 million of funding from Arts Council England, made possible by a successful bid to the Government’s Cultural Development Fund.

Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke was joined by the Arts Council’s Libraries Director Luke Burton to formally re-open the building at the heart of Centre Square.

Improvements include a full redesign of the main ground floor area to create a children’s library with a reading tower and family facilities.

As a longstanding customer of Insight Media, Middlesbrough Libraries turned to us to support them in the improvement work, providing upgraded printing and wi-fi facilities.

Library members can now print direct from their own devices thanks to the iCAM Wireless Cloud Print solution which gives library users a seamless, easy-to-use facility, with the ability to print while in the library building.

With no need for separate log-ins, codes or even vouchers for collecting printing, library users simply log on to the new designated public wi-fi network using their Middlesbrough Libraries borrower number and PIN to submit their printing through the solution. The system is compatible with Android and Apple phones and tablets plus Windows laptops, MacBooks including Chrome Books, and allows printing of a range of document formats including photographs, web pages, and web-based email.

The new and upgraded public wi-fi offering ensures a reliable service for library staff and visitors. As more and more library users bring their own devices into libraries, this project enabled Middlesbrough Libraries to deliver a modern, fit-for-purpose wi-fi and printing service to meet the demands of staff and library visitors.

Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke said: “The Central Library is one of the icons of the town centre, and is rightly seen as one of the jewels in Middlesbrough’s crown.

“This brilliant refurbishment has given one of our most important hubs a whole new lease of life, and the feedback we’ve had since it re-opened has been nothing short of fantastic.

“The Central Library has played a vital role in the life of the town for well over a century now, and thanks to the Arts Council it will continue to enrich lives and enlighten young and old alike for another hundred years and more.”

Luke Burton, Director Libraries, Arts Council England, said: “I was delighted to attend the re-opening of Central Library and celebrate its refurbishment following investment from the Cultural Development Fund.

“The new children’s library is a wonderful area for children and families and I’m sure everyone in the community will enjoy the improved facilities in such a welcoming space.

“I’d like to thank all the partners involved in the project – this wonderful library is testament to all their hard work.”