Library redevelopment

Following a review of the options, Surrey County Council has decided to retain the existing library building and refurbish to create a vibrant, modern space and to bring it up to energy efficiency standards, in line with the council’s commitment to be carbon net zero by 2030.

The new facility will provide an improved space for the statutory library provision, as well as community and partner space with the retention and enhancement of space for Brooklands Radio. The hub will provide universal access for all residents through its programme of activities.

The redeveloped library will:

• Be a modern, flexible space
• Accommodate a wide range of events and services
• Have excellent books and resources
• Offer meeting room and exhibition space
• Include modern technology and business work space

The design will:

• Create a light and inviting environment
• Be an inclusive, accessible and comfortable space
• Provide an exceptional visitor experience
• Be a dynamic place for the whole community to visit, spend time and enjoy
• Optimise the building for service and community use

Our inspiration

The Carnegie Diagram (below) is a driving force for library services in Surrey. It highlights the four key functions of a library to support community wellbeing.

Our ambition 

Entrance spaces

Inviting and welcoming entrance spaces with prominent self-service kiosks, book drops, quick choice displays, sales area, information and printing encourage visitors to engage with library services.

Children’s Library

The redevelopment will cater to all ages and place great emphasis on the children’s area. Libraries support learning through resources and activities and by providing a safe learning-focused space for homework and private study. Activities such as rhymetimes and Code Clubs have been shown to contribute to young people’s reading skills, development, and confidence. The children’s area will be a bright, vibrant and creative space to encourage both play and learning and develop a lifelong love of reading. It will also contain a feature piece to create additional interest and excitement.

Events

A flexible events space will enable a wide range of cultural events to take place, including exhibitions, performance space for music and art events, author events, and children’s events such as rhymetimes. There will also be the capacity for classes and workshops to be hosted in confidential meeting room space, delivered alongside community groups and other partners. A varied service offering, with an emphasis on events which cater to a range of audiences, will help position Weybridge library as a cultural hub and destination on the high street.

Multi-use library spaces

Spaces incorporating help desks, soft seating, computer zones and space for quiet working and study, with flexibility to use spaces in a variety of ways.