Council unveils new library and community space in Netherfield

Woughton Library opens to the public on Tuesday 29 March

A new library will open on Farthing Grove in Netherfield next week, becoming the tenth in Milton Keynes. While modest in size, Woughton Library includes a children’s reading corner and hundreds of physical titles to browse, as well as offering visitors the opportunity to reserve any book from MK’s vast library service and have it delivered to Netherfield. Last year alone, the Council added more than 20,000 new books to its collection.

The library’s modular shelving means the whole layout can be changed in seconds to create a flexible community space. Weekly Job Club sessions will provide help to people searching for work alongside key interview skills and training. Other clubs and local groups will also have access to the space.

Woughton Community Council worked with MK Council to bring a new library to the area. MK Council contributed £80,000 towards the project as part of its continued investment in library services, and Woughton is the second library space this week to be unveiled - this weekend, Stony Stratford Library reopens after a major refurbishment.

Councillor Zoe Nolan, Cabinet Member for Children and Families said: “Thanks to our partnership with Woughton Community Council, we’ve created a flexible space that will be used by families, schools and those looking for help with employment and key skills. Whilst libraries have been forced to close around the country, we’ve been working hard to ensure that we invest in and protect our libraries. The new Woughton Library increases access to books and resources for local people and is a part of our wider commitment to regenerate this important area.”

Cllr Nolan added: “We also want to recognise the impact of Councillor Kevin Wilson who made an incredible contribution to his local community and is sorely missed. He strongly believed in providing opportunities for all – and putting into place real, practical support for families.”

Woughton Library will open to the public on Tuesday 29 March. All Milton Keynes libraries provide an open door to anyone seeking information, access to IT facilities or a space to study and meet. To learn more about MK’s libraries, please click here.