- Chelsea Library
Chelsea Children’s Library was closed from the 11 to 27 of March this year for a refurbishment. We have now completed the final bits and pieces and can reveal to you our new super duper children’s area. Take a peek at the photos on the slideshow below.
As you can see there’s a lighter airier feel with the pale blue walls, new carpet, signage and upgraded lighting.
In addition to improving the overall ambience, we’ve also brought in new furniture which has proved to be a great hit with both children and adults. These include little ‘bucket’ chairs and tables for younger children to sit and read at, as well as car-themed book trunks for board books. There are also new chairs for the computers and more tables in the Young People’s Zone which has given much needed extra capacity for the study work areas.
The smart new blue signage is vibrant and allows people to easily find what they’re looking for and the new face-on display units will allow staff to present not only new stock but also promote themed collections and special events throughout the year.
The artist Victoria White, who has previously worked with Kensington and Chelsea libraries (when she created a photographic portrait of the Chelsea locality – these pictures can be seen in the lending library) was asked to produce a large painting especially for the Children’s Library with “floating balloons and colourful moons.” Thumbs up to Kensington and Chelsea libraries for ambitiously commissioning a new piece of contemporary art. It has proved popular with the children giving the library its own signature flair.
This was a great opportunity to also enhance the existing book collections with new stock added, in particular, children’s fiction and non-fiction, picture books and teen fiction and non-fiction.
These works were partly funded by a very generous bequest and Chelsea Library is extremely grateful for this kind support.
And finally a big thanks to staff members, Helen and Sue who successfully brought the project in on time and in budget. And a huge thanks to all the staff at Chelsea – who when the lift gave up the ghost, rolled up their sleeves and carried all the books up two floors so that Children’sLibrary could be restocked and open as scheduled – you’re all stars!
Nadia and James
Chelsea Library
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