A new chapter is set to be written into the books of two of the North’s most beautiful libraries thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). A £300,000 grant has been awarded to the historic Lit & Phil and Mining Institute libraries to make them accessible to everyone.

The libraries are housed in the fabulous settings of grade II* buildings but their original historic designs have meant many people with disabilities were excluded. The solution was found by forging a strong partnership and working closely with Newcastle City Council’s Planning Department and English Heritage. The planned entrance creates a new central link between both buildings providing level access and a lift serving the first floors of both libraries.

The Lit & Phil’s President Bill Bower welcomed the news of the award saying, “We are extremely pleased that the Heritage Lottery Fund is supporting this scheme. We are committed to removing barriers to the use of our collections for people of all ages, interests and backgrounds. Many small improvements will follow the main building works, for example lighting and aids to reading, including IT solutions assisting people who are blind and partially sighted to make use of and enjoy our collections. New hearing loops will be installed and signage upgraded throughout. The funds will also enable us to develop a younger audience for learning, enjoyment of books and the arts with a two-year education and outreach programme ready to roll out across the region”

Stuart Porthouse, the Secretary of the Mining Institute said, “The two libraries are historically important as educational resources and still serve the Region’s communities today. Expanding our educational potential is tremendously important and we’ll be working closely with a wide variety of partners to help unlock the creativity and imaginations of young people through our collections and new information technology. We’ll also be developing interpretation of our heritage which is an amazing story in itself.”

Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund for the North East Region Dr. Keith Bartlett said, “The Lit & Phil and Mining Institute libraries are hidden treasures of the Region. They hold collections not just of regional but of national importance that tell the story of our proud past. We are delighted to be able to offer this project our support. It will open up the collections and develop the excellent facilities that can be enjoyed by everyone”.

The lottery cash will also help start the process of conservation work, returning the ground floor of the Lit & Phil to its mid-nineteenth century size creating a large exhibition area. The Lit & Phil and the Mining Institute played a vital role in the Region’s development and this project sees them moving to play a bigger role locally and nationally.

Other parts of the scheme are less innovative but equally important. “The scheme includes secure cycle parking; most visitors use public transport, walk or cycle to the library and it’s important to meet their needs”, explained Richard Gray, Director of Development for both the Lit & Phil and Mining Institute. “We carried out careful research in developing this project, which was helped by Heritage Lottery Fund. Many people are unable to use the splendid facilities we have here. There is also now a solid business case for the future based on an award winning programme of events drawn from the distinctive regional heritage. It’s taken a while to find a design solution that meets everyone’s criteria, but we now have been granted planning permission, listed building consent and this fantastic Lottery award all in the space of four weeks.” Our dream of an accessible library benefits every one of our visitors as well as making it possible for people to use the libraries who have not been able to before.”

It is hoped that building works could be completed within twelve months provided the remaining funds are confirmed by Spring. The award from the Heritage Lottery Fund provides one third of the cash required, with a further third already confirmed. “We have still to raise about £300,000 to enable works to proceed”, said Richard Gray, “but this tremendous news provides a huge boost in confidence to both our own organisations and other potential funding partners.”

Email: simon.brooks@mininginstitute.org.uk