Lea Bridge library extension opens to public

Lea Bridge Library’s new million pound extension is now open to the public.

The original listed building in Lea Bridge Road, built in 1905, now benefits from a multi-use space and cafe, overlooking Friendship Gardens at the rear.

The library opened on September 20 and will be open seven days a week, with part of its new space available to hire.

Cutting the ribbon, newly-elected council leader Cllr Grace Williams said: “This is a country where it’s been harder and harder to keep libraries open.

“Libraries are a hub for communities, somewhere that everyone can come, a place where people can access our services and just a nice place in general.”

East London and West Essex Guardian Series: The Lea Bridge Library extension. Image: Josh Mellor

The council’s ambition was for the library to become a ‘community hub’ and point of contact for council services.

Money raised from the former Wood Street Library site contributed £600,000 to the construction, while a further £400,000 came from Greater London Authority’s regeneration funds.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series: The extension runs the length of Friendship Gardens.

Waltham Forest Council has been asked to provide more detail on the funding sourced from the former library site.

https://www.guardian-series.co.uk/news/19596456.lea-bridge-library-extension-opens-public/

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