'Jewel in crown' library opens after £1.9m revamp

Middlesbrough's historic Central Library has reopened after a major overhaul

A library has reopened its doors after undergoing a £1.9m refurbishment.

Grade II listed Middlesbrough Central library closed in December 2023 after successfully securing funding to upgrade facilities.

The work included a full redesign of the ground floor to create a children's library with play areas and family facilities.

The council's executive member for neighbourhoods, Ian Blades, said the library was "rightly seen as one of the jewels" in Middlesbrough's crown.

A new children's area has been built on the ground floor of the library

A new ICT suite has also been built with new public computers, furniture and lighting.

Blades said: "This fantastic refurbishment has given this wonderful building a whole new lease of life, while retaining the stunning features which keep people coming back throughout their lives.

"These improvements will stand it in good stead for the next century and beyond, helping future generations develop a life-long love of books and creativity."

The building was opened in 1912 with funding from American philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.