Work to stop heat loss at Jesmond Library have begun, marking the start of the library’s multi-year plan to ensure its sustainable, energy-efficient future.

In light of the ongoing lease negotiations, which the trustees hope to conclude next year, the library is now particularly focused on the 1963 building’s long-term functionality while working towards meeting modern environmental standards.

“We’re going into this on the basis that we’ll still be here in 20 years,” said Chris Clarke, secretary and treasurer of Friends of Jesmond Library. “If we’re going to do this, we have to keep investing in the building.”

After an inspection commissioned by the library around two years ago, experts identified the roof of the rear admin block and the eaves around the reading room as the main areas where heat is escaping. They advised solving these issues before addressing the failing heating system.

“Within perhaps 10 years or so, it is likely that we will have to replace the whole heating system,” said Clarke. “If we start by improving the insulation in the building, we will reduce the cost of any future heating system.”

At the annual meeting, patrons and volunteers were assured that the library will remain open throughout the planned works. “There is no question about it,” said Clarke and recalled the window replacement a few years ago, during which the library also stayed open.

With the works now “well underway”, Peter Breakey, the chair of trustees, said: “We hope that the first phase, meaning the roof of the admin block, will be finished by Christmas. But there is an element of unpredictability, especially with the current weather.”

Alongside reducing running costs and improving sustainability, the retrofits are expected to enhance the experience of Jesmond Library’s visitors and volunteers. According to the library’s newsletter, the building will be “warmer in winter and cooler in summer”.

“It heats up very quickly and cools down very quickly,” said volunteer Helen Compson, explaining how noticeable the heating problems can be.

After the urgent repairs, which are expected to continue into 2026, the library aims to start working on retrofits that will eventually result in a low-carbon heating system, solar panels and exterior LED lighting. The plan for these improvements, which will be carried out over the next several years, has been created by Despoina Papadopoulou, a volunteer architect adviser at the library.

The total cost is expected to be around £40,000. In addition to the £20,000 grant from The Barbour Foundation, the library has secured £5,000 from the Bernard Sunley Foundation and £1,000 from The Joicey Trust.

The library remains in need of support and has therefore launched a fundraiser, which has been up on JustGiving for around three months. Out of the £5,000 target, £2,184 has been raised so far by 54 supporters.

When asked about the possibility of not reaching the target before the official closing date, Breakey said: “It won’t be an insuperable problem, but we would obviously like to reach the target and will extend the deadline beyond 31st December, if need be.”

Follow this link to donate and visit the Jesmond Library website for more information.