Book lovers and library users in Brierley Hill have an inspiring temporary home to use while major refurbishment works take place at the existing high street location.

Library staff have relocated to the beautiful setting of St Michael’s church, just behind Brierley Hill War Memorial, providing a unique setting for library services while refurbishment work is underway at the normal town centre site.

Along with other major refurbishment work taking place across the town, the main library will benefit from an improved interior layout and facilities, redecoration and a vibrant new children’s area which will provide a dynamic space for children to play and learn. Brierley Hill Councillor Wayne Little said:

“The setting here at St Michael’s is really inspiring within the beautiful space of our historic church. The stained-glass windows create a wonderful atmosphere for young and old while enjoying the books, activities and internet access available here while refurbishment work is carried out in the high street.”

His colleague Cllr Adam Davies, who has been working with Brierley Hill Community Forum and councillor officers on the scheme, added: “We have to give a big thank you to Katie and her team who have done a great job creating this fantastic temporary home for our town’s Library while the exciting refurbishment works are carried out in the normal High Street location.

“Still open 6 days a week, residents can access books and computers as normal and new books are coming in each week. Library users can also collect book reservations and take part in the great range of daily activities the team put on.”

It is expected that St Michael's will host the temporary library for approximately 3 months while contractors carry out the refurbishment work at 122 High Street. Stephanie Rhoden from GLL who run Dudley libraries, added:

“We welcome this investment in Brierley Hill Library. I would like to assure library users that we are running a temporary service from the church so people can still access all the library services they need, just in a new location for a short while.

"The temporary library’s opening times will remain the same as the normal library.”

The works are being funded through the multimillion-pound Future High Street Fund and Brierley Hill High Street Heritage Action Zone regeneration programmes currently taking place in the town.