April 11, 2012 2.47 pm This story is over 143 months old

Historic uni library gets £2.5 million facelift

Better facilities: A university library is undergoing a major revamp to keep up with modern-day learning.

The historic library at Bishop Grosseteste University College (BG) is undergoing refurbishment to improve the facilities for students.

The library, which dates back to 1886, is getting improved and extended with £2.5 million from the university.

In addition to offering various learning materials for students to meet modern needs, the Student Support and Learning Advice teams will also move into the building.

At present, the library holds 135,000 books, journals, CD and DVD resources, ebooks and a Teaching Resources Collection.

The work started last year and is expected to be finished in September 2012.

In order to fund the work further, BG are hosting a black tie charity event, featuring a special guest.

Former footballer, honorary graduate and England goalkeeping coach Ray Clemence, MBE will be talking about his career at the event and answering questions.

Hâf Merrifield, Deputy Principal of BG, commented: “Our library has come a long way since its beginnings in a lecture room cupboard in 1886, and it is still growing.

“As a 150th birthday present to ourselves we are carrying out a major expansion of the library with enhanced study and IT facilities.

“We have covered the essential costs but we need funds to enhance the quality of the refurbishment and to equip an extra space for the Learning Advice team.

“We’re most grateful to Ray, as an honorary graduate of BG, for supporting us as guest speaker at what promises to be a very engaging evening.”

The black tie event will include a reception drink, three-course meal and an auction of football memorabilia — money raised will go into toward the library refurb.

The event be held at the college, on April 25 from 7pm, and tickets cost £30 (or a table of eight for £200).

To book, call Jessica Lyons on 01522 583681.

Source: Shooting Star