Purpose

The reason for this decision is:
- City of Doncaster Council will achieve direct benefit through
funding to support the redevelopment of a library that has lacked
investment in recent years.
- Mexborough Library is in need of modernisation.
- Mexborough residents will have a redeveloped, modern
facility.
- Being part of a network of libraires that have received LIF
funds.
- The development of a stronger relationship with the Arts Council
England
- Taking the opportunity through consultation and engagement to
respond to needs which children, young people and adults have
communicated.
Reimagined will provide Mexborough with a modern, flexible library
that responds to community needs by
• co-creating an inspirational Children’s Library with
children and young people
• transforming a well-used, but tired, meeting room
• upgrading furniture to become fit for purpose and attractive
to modern users

The project will include the commissioning of a designer/artist
team to work with Library staff, users and the wider community to
reimagine the Library, with a brief to create an inspiring and
welcoming space that users want to spend time in. It will become a
visitor attraction in itself within the local community. By
deploying an imaginative, artistic concept within the
Children’s Library, this will inspire children, parents and
families to use the library for evidence-based wellbeing outputs
and outcomes.

Content

To accept the £182,000 grant from the
Arts Council England, Library Improvement Fund for the
‘Mexborough Library Reimagined’ project and to spend
this on
a) commissioning of a designer/artist team
b) improvements works to the library in accordance with the
design/artist plans
c) a part-time (~1-day per week) Project Management resource (there
is no external recruitment, as PIC resources shall be used).
Include the scheme in the Council’s Capital Programme
2024/25.
This is a capital development project and will be delivered in
partnership between Culture Services and Property
Services.