The new Central library of Nottingham opened on the 28th of November 2023, and saw people of all ages visit it in the first week. The reception of the new library in the community was ‘overwhelmingly positive’ according to the manager of the central library, Mary Dansie. When speaking to her on the ground floor of the new library, it was obvious that the library seems like an incredibly positive thing for the city, ‘a real win for the city’ in the words of Dansie. An immersive room, exhibition spaces, a vast stock of books and events run by the library are what this new library has to offer in the coming years, so the future seems hopeful. The day after the opening of the Central library, Nottingham city council issued section 114 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988, declaring themselves effectively bankrupt, set for an overspend of £23m. Dansie answered, in response to the bankruptcy of the city council, that it was business as usual, because a city central library is statutory, required by law, so the library is set to be a stable hub for the community in Nottingham for some time.
Notes from Interview
Questions asked:
Are you facing any immediate struggles? Excitement about the library being open, opportunities. Challenges with cost of living, heading into winter. Fortunate and lucky to have the library. 3 years since the old library closed, work has been in progress for a long time.
What was the reception towards the library? Overwhelmingly positive, didn’t necessarily expect, level of anxiety, not 100% sure that they’ve got everything right (staff and Mary), but will fix problems and improve. Comments on the feel, what's offered, cultural spaces, library stock and pcs.
How was it making these plans come into action? Huge relief. Challenges and uncertainties, things could have been done quicker, have done it successfully though, building open for people to enjoy, many people there, students, people wanting to return.
What is the library’s fate? Exciting opportunities and events they will offer, believe they will adapt very quickly, performance space in reception, immersive room, displays and exhibition spaces. Opportunities for people to engage in the library, offer artwork, offer creativity, settings for different community groups.
How as a library, do they react to the bankruptcy of Nottingham? Business as usual, statutory thing for a council. They are open and its important for council, craft fairs, exhibitions, ‘a real win for the city’.
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