£1.4m sustainable library set to open in Sutton (From Your Local Guardian)

£1.4m sustainable library set to open in Sutton

6:50am Tuesday 16th March 2010 in

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London's greenest library is opening in Sutton.

Circle Library in Carshalton has undergone a £1.4m rebuild making it one of the most sustainable in the capital.

The Carshalton library and community centre, which opens on Friday, was designed after lengthy consultation with residents.

It will have all kinds of environmentally friendly features, such as rainwater harvesting, a ground source heat pump and an intelligent ventilation and heat retention system.

It will also have a special display of books about the environment.

The library, built using a a grant from the Big Lottery Fund, will have an IT centre, readers’ lounge, courtyard garden and space for meetings, performances and exhibitions.

The old library closed its doors in September 2009 and was demolished to make way for the new two-storey library and community centre. Building work began in October 2009.

Executive member for leisure and libraries Coun Graham Tope said: “With an IT suite and indoor and outdoor space for the community to use, this is much more than a library; it is a social and educational space with something for everyone.

“The sustainable technology also means it will have little impact on the environment and we know this matters to our residents.

"It’s a great example of how we can lower carbon emissions from council buildings in line with One Planet Living ambitions.”

Chairman of the Sutton Federation of Tenant and Residents Associations Jean Crossby said: “The new library provides a fantastic opportunity to revitalise the area and reclaim our strong common sense of community."

Residents, library volunteers and council officers will join the Mayor, Margaret Court for an official opening ceremony on Friday.