The legendary Brendan O'Carroll officially opening the improved Sandwell Central Library

Dublin man Brendan O’Carroll reopened the Sandwell Central Library on Friday the 20th of
April after its long awaited refurbishment.
The library opened its doors to the public after being closed for four weeks. The building, which is steeped in history, will have stood proud on the High Street of West Bromwich for an entire century on June the 10th this year.
Apart from its fantastic architecture the building holds more surprises inside with artwork adorning its walls that were painted by Pat Arnettt in 1940.
The library operated for three weeks in the Town Hall before being moved back to its original more user friendly home.
I spoke to the Sandwell Central Library manager Paul Vice and Reader Developments and Events Organiser, Robert Hazel and they both were delighted with the results of the refurbishment.
Paul said, “We achieved exactly what we set out to do in making the library more open plan and user friendly. I am really pleased.”
Robert continued, “The library and its services has moved with the times and not only can you borrow a book, you now can access the internet, join a creative writing group, loan DVDs or children’s toys and enjoy storytelling evenings. We hold a large number of events throughout the year from dressmaking courses to homework clubs. There simply is something for everyone. For these reasons the library required an update to accommodate all the events we run and make it more accessible”.
The library has always been popular and in the last year alone has welcomed over 250,000 visitors and loaned out over 171,000 various items.
The Central Library has enjoyed some prestigious guests in the past including Led Zeppelin, MP Ann Widdecombe and TV journalist Rageh Omaar and now of course Brendan O’Carroll.
Brendan O’Carroll was delighted to cut the ribbon officially opening the new library. He was in Birmingham performing his play ‘Mrs Brown Rides Again’ and has a huge affinity for Birmingham and its people.
To mark the buildings birthday the library is holding a special art competition in June which will be judged by the library’s own original artist Pat Arnett.
Other events not to be missed include an evening of Black Country Memories with Carl Chinn on the 10th of May and storytelling with Katrice Horsley (as featured in last months Harp) on the 17th of July.
For more information or a full list of events please contact the information services on 0121 5694911 or visit the website www.libraries.sandwell.gov.uk