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Date set for re-opening of historic library after £48m re-fit

Manchester Central Library will re-open its doors to the public on Saturday 22 March 2014, nearly four years after it closed for refurbishment.

The Grade II listed building was designed by E Vincent Harris and originally opened in 1934. At a reported cost of £48m, it has been updated to enhance and improve its original features, while also introducing the most up-to-date technology, as befits one of the country’s leading libraries.

The library will host exhibitions and events, a new performance space and a media lounge equipped with Apple Mac computers.

Specialist business, music and children’s libraries will all be based at Central Library, as well as the Archives+ Centre, a destination of national and international significance for anyone interested in local or family history.

To celebrate, Manchester Libraries are calling on children and young people from 4 – 18 to get creative for a commemorative postcard competition with the theme “Central Library, past, present and future”.

The winning postcards will be printed and sent to all Manchester schoolchildren as a memento of the opening, mirroring the idea from 1934, when Central Library first opened and every schoolchild received a commemorative handkerchief.

Councillor Rosa Battle, Executive Member for Culture and Leisure, said: “The long wait is nearly over to unveil a world-class library fit for the 21st century to our residents, partners and visitors.

“We want to attract more young people, children and families to this truly magnificent library, which has so much more to offer young people in the digital age.

“The competition is a great way to get children involved in a historic project in the run up to the re-opening.”

Library staff want to encourage children to look at all art media, not just traditional drawing or painting, paving the way for Lego enthusiasts, plasticine specialists and ceramic creators or photography students to get creative.

The only stipulation is that all entries must be received in 2D by the closing date, which is Friday 4 April 2014.

All Manchester schools have been sent details of the competition, but individuals can also take part. Entries can be sent by post to Library Competitions, Floor 1 (Desk 1/104) Town Hall Extension, Albert Square, PO Box 532, Manchester M60 2LA or digitally tolibrarycompetitions@manchester.gov.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .