Forum Topic

The refurbished Osterley Library.

You may have seen the front page story about the re-opening of the Library in St Mary's Crescent. Thanks for that Editor. I regret having missed the opening event on Sunday.A top job and well done to all those involved I say.... having seen the changes this evening.The redesign has "lifted" the facility and made for an extra good-feel factor wandering up the pathway and entering the building.  If other libraries in the Borough are to be given a similar tonic things are certainly looking up!

Jim Lawes ● 5489d10 Comments

Hi Doris! Our library is being updated once again for check out. Pile the books over a plate thingy and it spits out a receipt - there's a little chip in each book! Fantastic.

Audrey Walton ● 5485d

We have a fabulous Library system here on the coast Audrey. When we first moved up here it was pitifully small,was not enough room to swing a cat around. Since then it has been expanded and renovated and something to be really proud of. Though not quite as posh as the one that Jim took photos of. The only drawback with our Library is parking is on the street and can get quite congested.

Doris M. Lediard ● 5486d

Thanks for the tip about ordering online Vanessa.. I've conveyed that useful piece of information to others too.Front page of the Civic Centre website has an article about this event in great detail. These are their pictures.

Jim Lawes ● 5486d

I think the ordering of books for such a small amount is brilliant - when you consider the cost of buying a book these days. I reserve online now and that is free! You get notification your book is in by e-mail. Although Isleworth is supposed to be  a 'Leisure Campus' when completed, the library service has been incredibly disrupted there for various reasons and it still looks as though there is a long way to go before it is finished. It has always had a completion of 'Summer' - not sure what year they mean though!

Vanessa Smith ● 5487d

No private tour Audrey.. I arrived just before closing timeand bump into someone who knew a lot about those Catalina aircraft that Sarah Felstead was recently discussing on the Forum. he worked for Aerospace Publishing in Hammersmith.I ordered a book that was not in stock but on the shelves at Chiswick Library. "Yes we can get it to Osterley for you" There was a 75p charge for that..but reduced to 40p because of my age!  Very reasonable I thought.  The book would cost some £20 if I endeavoured to buy it from somewhere. The Isleworth Leisure Centre, Library and baths revamp must be a much more complex and grander scheme. Hope they fix that historic giant puddle in the car park there!

Jim Lawes ● 5488d

All looks very nice Jim, hope you were on a private tour as it was a little empty. We have a fabulous library system here but no matter when you visit it is always busy. Enjoy your pictures!

Audrey Walton ● 5488d

In that case could you now let us know when Isleworth will be completed - I have heard it's slipped quite a bit until 2011. I had to visit Osterley last week to pick up some ordered books as the mobile library was not at Redlees Park as advertised, they seem to be having problems with drivers. Osterley is light and airy and looks extremely nice - unfortunately the computer system had crashed!

Vanessa Smith ● 5488d

A great credit to the former coalition administration.

John Todd ● 5488d

Pleasing eh?There's plenty of cosy seating areas  and the line of new computers looks great. The staff must be delighted..and I was when they produced the book I was after!!------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------So the Library is waiting to be visited. Thanks LBH..and I hope the Council's quality control experts and the finance auditors are happy too.

Jim Lawes ● 5489d

The approach from the Great West Road-------------------------------------------The approach from St Mary's Crescent.------------------------------------------The floral welcome outside the entrance.---------------------------------------Let's pop inside.. next message.

Jim Lawes ● 5489d