Wendover Community Library improvement project

The funding will help transform Wendover Community Library into an inclusive, multi-use community hub to offer a single point of contact for local information and services, but also provide a range of social, educational, health and cultural activities.

As a community hub, we want Wendover Community Library to meet the needs of our current library customers, as well as attract new customers including those from marginalised groups, providing a diverse and inclusive service.

We aim to do this through developing new partnerships to broaden the service offer and generate new activities that will positively impact Wendover and surrounding villages.

The aims of the Arts Council England Libraries Improvement Fund are to:

• Enable libraries to develop more flexible spaces
• Increase and improve digital access in the community
• Connect libraries to their communities
• Increase potential for transformation
• Increase library use
• Increase sustainability of libraries

In total, with the bid to the Arts Council Library Improvement Fund, we have secured just under £500,000 in funding to carry out the main work. The funding also includes amounts from the Buckinghamshire Council Capital programme and smaller grants from Wendover Parish Council and Wendover Community Library Trust.

The application for Arts Council funding was based on the cost of the scheme in 2021/22. The council undertook an extensive engagement exercise with 21 sessions held with the public to develop the scheme. A tendering exercise in July 2023 revealed the impact of inflation caused the proposed scheme to exceed the available budget. Attempts were made to raise the additional funding; however, it was likely the scheme would not be delivered within the Arts Council deadline.

Following a resubmission of the grant application, the Arts Council approved a revised scheme, which met all the original deliverables but excluded the extension. We are now able to move forward at pace to complete the scheme by spring 2025.

A Library Transformation Fund has been set up for those who are willing and able to contribute financial support to the new library. This fund will enable us to implement value-added elements suggested by the public during the engagement exercises such as improvements to the front courtyard.

Different donation options are available for people and businesses to help the improvement project, and donations of any amount can be made online or in the library.

To find out how you can support the project, access the Library Transformation Fund webpage.

Our plans for the new library include:

• A sensory children's library that will be double the size of the existing children’s library, visible from the front of the building;
• Additional flexible meeting spaces for community activities or private hire;
• Comfortable seating areas for library users for work, study or social interaction;
• Newly decorated interior with new fittings and furniture using dementia and autism friendly colour pallets;
• A new dedicated dementia-friendly area/Cosy Corner overlooking the community garden;
• Tourist and local information section;
• Improved energy efficiency;
• Multifunctional reception area.

View the new library designs: 

Proposed exterior

Proposed interior

Planned improvements to the library include:

• New self-service technology to increase digital access such as a new self-service kiosk for book loans, loanable tablets (Hublets), touch screen meeting room display and digital advertising screen;
• New diverse stock such as reminiscence collections and resources to promote health and wellbeing;
• OMi design interactive sensory projection system that uses games, music and social activities to engage customers and improve their health and wellbeing, especially for people with neurodiverse needs;
• Community-based learning to improve digital skills.

Wendover Community Library will have improved energy efficiency through enhancements made to increase natural light into the building.

We aim to make the new library hub more sustainable through generating additional income, and increasing footfall and use from community groups and local businesses.

The library's new design will be complemented through the commissioning of various art pieces for both the interior and exterior, inspired by Wendover’s rich heritage and the diversity of its communities.

These artworks were crafted based on the insights and narratives shared by Wendover's residents.

Explore the narrative of the Wendover Community Library Art Commission on our Library blog.

Art works co-designed by the community can be found here in our Wendover Community Library art commission blog post.

Wendover Community Library Trust will be improving the outdoor space in the library which can be used by the whole community. With an aim to make it accessible for all, as well as being an attractive, modern, and easily maintained space for relaxation and conversation.

June 2024:

• Submit Planning and Building Regulations applications
• Procurement of main construction works contract

July 2024:

• Award main construction works contract

August 2024:

• Expected approval for Planning and Building Regulations
• Main Construction Contractor mobilises

September 2024:

• Construction works begin

Spring 2025:

• Works complete, and new library lunches

We will be offering a reduced interim library service at the Wendover Parish Council Offices at the Clock Tower, High St, Wendover when the library is closed for works. More details to follow.

Keep up to date with the progress of the project with our Wendover Community Library improvement project blogs.

If you’d like to find out more contact [email protected].