Jesmond Library will reopen on Monday morning (13th June) following a two-month, £40,000 refurbishment to make the building more accessible. And JesmondLocal was invited to a sneak preview of the changes which include self-service terminals with RFID tag readers, automatic entrance doors, larger community room with kitchen facilities, accessible public toilet, new flooring, layout and lighting – and £5,000 of new stock.

Built in 1963 Jesmond Library, on St Georges Terrace, is one of the most distinctive in the city and is grade II listed. Listen to our interview with Newcastle Libraries’ Mark Thurston who describes how the contemporary lighting and other improvements aim to complement its original look and feel.

At 10.30am on Monday the Town Crier will announce glad tidings to everyone in the library and around the local shopping area. The library will also host a presentation by Norman Kirklan at 6pm on forensic science and what goes on at a real crime scene investigation. (This is suitable for 18 years and over.)