By Community Correspondent, Andrea David-Akanbi

For the many months for which the Tooting Library was closed, Tooting was somewhat lacking in its usually felt vibrancy. Books, Computers, and studying areas would need to be found elsewhere, much to the neighbourhood’s great misfortune and with a closed library, people only had one less place to go to. So it was no doubt a huge relief to many that Tooting Library had opened, this time round improved by a redevelopment!

With a refurbishment which began in October 2009, the library underwent a much needed improvement. Its layout is now contrary to its previous one, meaning that visitors will now be able to make better use of space and access areas with great ease. A four- storey rear extension has been added additionally, in order to create new study areas for children and adult learners alike. Yet what it truly striking is the self- service terminals located on the ground floor, enabling visitors to make quick, easy and effortless transactions; this was most certainly a change from the ancient and inefficient place people had previously recognised as Tooting Library!

The refurbishment cost a vast £3m all together. With Lottery funding, the library had received a grant of £1.47 million from the Community Libraries Programme, although this only met up to half the cost. As a result, Wandsworth Council had to pay the rest of the costs in conjunction. Monthly meetings have also been held to discuss the management of the library. They will continue to be held on a regular basis, so as to allow users to have an input in the administration of the library.

On the third day following the opening of the library, it can only be concluded that the refurbishment of the library has been a success. After a brief wandering around the library earlier today, crowds of people were assembled within the library borrowing books, studying and using computers. People have repeatedly praised the library and even I can say that because of it, Tooting has definitely regained its quintessential vibrancy!