Ross Library is currently undergoing some exciting renovations to make better use of its space. While the work is being carried out the Library is still operating normal opening hours.

The Dennis Potter room, a multi-purpose space which holds events such as Children’s Services, the Lego Club, Young Mums and Literacy and I.T courses, has already been transformed. It now has washable flooring and cupboards at the back, which hold collapsible chairs that can be accessed easily for events. There is also an upcoming event on Tuesday, May 15th, where local poet and singer-songwriter Dick Brice, will be performing.

The exhibition space will be moved from the Dennis Potter room to the ramp, so that it can still be viewed if the room is in use.

Contractors are also in the process of making a door to reach the outdoor garden area, which will be renovated after the collapsing wall has been fixed by the Council’s maintenance team. There will also be metal fencing for safety.

Clare Llewellyn West from the Ross Library Development Group said: “It will be lovely to have an outdoor space and will be nice for people to walk up the alley and see laughing children.”

The front desk is currently in the Dennis Potter room, and has been made much smaller and on wheels, so it is mobile and can be easily moved to suit the libraries needs - and rearrange in the future.

Jan Nesaratnam, a Senior Librarian for Herefordshire Libraries, told the Ross Gazette: “The front desk is much smaller, modular on wheels. We trialled this at Hereford and Ledbury first, and it means we can change it around if we want.”

She added: “We want to use more of the building, and fit more in. It is such a busy library, and we want to make better use of its space. We are using the redundant space by the left of the front door for more computers, and will create a private meeting room on the right, for Customer Services to use for their appointments.

“It is important that these conversations take place in a confidential space, as they are often for vulnerable people who should feel comfortable.

“DWP are expanding and taking on more of that work.”

There will also be more desks for the Job Centre area, and the cupboard behind the front desk will now be a meeting room to hire.

Steve Jones, Librarian, said: “We have enquiries for meeting spaces and we’ll be able to provide that now. It will be a meeting room to hire for anyone, such as the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB).”

Jan said: “We have been helped by £1000 raised by the Ross Library Development Group. This has enabled us to put a lot of the book shelves on wheels too.

“There will also be a kitchen area downstairs, to provide better access. It will be much easier to provide refreshments, as well as water for art classes etc.”

There is also going to be more computers, and the toilets and drains are going to be upgraded.

Jan said: “It is such a quirky space, we are working with it to fit everything we want. It is part of an ongoing refurbishment to libraries, trying to future proof them. Once we are finished, we’ll move on to Leominster and then have some work to complete in Hereford.

“We are lucky and good at getting external grants, as well as support from groups such as the Ross Library Development Group. We are realistic - but good at stretching our budget!”

The work is looking to be completed by June, with the exception of the garden area.

Jan added: “We have 87,000 visitors a year, and although we want to make the online services usable, we want to remind people that the physical services are still here.”