Oz visitor praises Rotherham libraries

AN AUSTRALIAN visitor in town to research libraries has described Rotherham’s facilities as “some of the best in Europe.”

Paula Kelly, from the State Library of Victoria in Australia, has been touring modern libraries across Europe to gather ideas to take back home.

During her travels she visited libraries in Croatia, Denmark, the Netherlands and France.

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In Britain, she toured buildings in Oxford and London as well as Rotherham where she visited both Mowbray Gardens Library and Wickersley Library.

Speaking about Wickersley Library she said: "The staff have obviously taken a risk and tried something new.

“It's a beautiful, relaxing space inside and people really make it their own. The building says 'this is something new'."

Paula praised the way that the library uses technology to connect with users as well as their refreshment facilities.

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During her visit, Paula teamed up with Rachel Van Riel, director of Opening the Book–the company responsible for the interior design at both libraries.

The company has also been working with Rotherham Libraries on a new staff training software programme which will now also be used by staff at The State Library of Victoria.

For more information visit www.rotherham.gov.uk/libraries.

 

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