LIBRARIES across Barnsley will be modernised through a £1m funding package as a result of the success of the town centre’s new facility.

Library @ the Lightbox, which opened in July, has been well-received according to a report which will go before ruling cabinet members on Wednesday.

Given its success, community libraries in Athersley, Cudworth, Darfield, Dodworth, Goldthorpe, Grimethorpe, Hoyland, Lundwood, Mapplewell, Penistone, Royston, Thurnscoe, Wombwell and Worsbrough will all receive work as part

of the council’s three-year library strategy, which runs until 2022.

A report said: “Following the investment in the new Library @ the Lightbox, the council recognised the need and benefits of improving facilities to ensure that community libraries are fit for purpose to deliver a modern public library service.

“The strategy sets out the council’s intention to re-energise the service by creating vibrant, flexible library spaces, enabling them to become community and digital hubs, responsive to customer needs, at the heart of our communities.

With books and reading remaining at the heart of the library offer, the refurbishment of community libraries will enable them to be fit for purpose in delivering a fresh, modern facility for the 2020s for use by individuals, community groups and partner organisations.”

Approval is expected to be granted by cabinet to carry out a procurement process to appoint a furnishing company to work with the council to design and provide library furnishings for the refurbishment programme over the coming years.

“Each library refurbishment project will commence with a piece of community engagement to inform the design of that library space and determine local requirements,” the report added.