A smart heating device called Thermionix is to be be installed in Jesmond Library as part of a government-funded test project.

Designed and developed by Sunderland based company BMSHome Limited, the “internet of things” (IOT) technology will automatically control the library’s heating system, eliminating the need for out-of-hours vists to set heating timers for the week ahead.

Mike Hartley, managing director of BMSHome Limited, said the system will heat the main library and the meeting rooms to suit both the booking schedule and the type of activity. “It will prevent over-heating and under-heating and respond to changes in schedule as new bookings are made,” he explained.

BMSHome Limited worked in partnership with North Yorkshire design company GSPK to win funding of more than £420,000 from the government’s BEIS Low Carbon Heating Technology Innovation Fund to develop the Thermionix.

Chris Clarke, Friends of Jesmond Library treasurer, commented: “The project will contribute to our long-term programme of improvements to the much-loved library” and added that the improved energy efficiency will reduce its running costs. By taking part, Clarke says he hopes the pilot project can be of help to other people and organisations.

Jesmond Library is a voluntary organisation and relies on donations, room hire rates, and fees from events being held in the library for income. Since the Covid-19 outbreak, this income has ceased, says Clarke, resulting in “a massive reduction in our [Friends of Jesmond Library] income”.

You can donate to Friends of Jesmond Library here.