Creating a thriving new community hub for Wendover

Previously, working together with extensive input from the local community, Buckinghamshire Council developed plans to completely transform the current space. A fund of £473,000 has been secured to carry out the main work but the community have suggested additional improvements, such as external landscaping and the creation of study pods, and so we will now be working to submit bids for additional funding from a range of organisations.

As part of this, a new Library Transformation Fund has been set up and those who are willing and able to contribute, are being invited to consider making a donation to support the local library.

Clive Harriss, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture and Sport explained: “We are keen to work with the library and local community to create something really special for Wendover. We want to deliver the best possible outcome and so we’re working with the community to invite people to donate to the transformation, should they wish.

“Whether you are a current resident, have family or friends in the area or have previous ties or fond memories of the town, we are giving these people the opportunity to help make the exciting vision for a new community hub in Wendover, a reality.”

Anyone interested in contributing to the cause can do so in a variety of ways:

• make a donation online or in person at the library
• buy a mug or tea towel, with the profits going to the fund
• order a commemorative plaque to be displayed in the community garden
• order a limited edition, metal Legacy Leaf which will be engraved and displayed within an artwork at the new library entrance

The new Wendover Community Library will be a valuable community hub, providing local information and services. Books and reading will still be central, but the hub will also offer a broad range of social, cultural and educational activities with a particular focus on health and wellbeing.

Plans for the new library have been informed by feedback and suggestions shared by residents, staff and volunteers through 21 engagement sessions and surveys:

The new library, due to open in early 2024, will include:

• a redesigned exterior with artwork and community seating, and interior which will be dementia and autism friendly
• a children's library that will be double the size of the existing children’s library, visible from the front of the building with sensory equipment
• an extension into the courtyard with a new glass entrance and roof to increase natural light and visibility
• enhancement of Tourist and Visitors Information area
• new flexible meeting spaces for community activities or private hire

Funding has been secured from Buckinghamshire Council’s Capital Programme, the Arts Council Library Improvement Fund, and smaller grants from Wendover Parish Council and Wendover Community Library Trust.

Clive added: “We know money is tight for many and so we are only asking for donations from those who are able to contribute, but whatever amount you can donate, big or small, your help will be invaluable in helping to support an amazing new space that the whole community can enjoy. This is an exciting and ambitious project that local residents and supporters are really keen to make a reality and we want to work with them to make that happen.”

For more information visit the Library Transformation Fund webpage.