When Dulwich Library reopens, six months after closing for refurbishment on November 17, patrons can expect many of the improvements they asked for, a Southwark Council official has said.

Meno Jacob,  the council’s performance officer who’s overseeing the refurbishment, said a public consultation in November revealed that library users wanted a range of health, wellness, finance and safety advice services on site.

“The survey responses indicated interest in sessions on mental health, careers, money management, general wellbeing and safety,” Jacob said.

He added, “Teenagers also expressed enthusiasm for activities such as homework clubs, gaming events, cultural celebrations, creative writing and author talks. These insights will guide the development of programming within the new space.”

The refurbishment involves redecoration, new flooring and furniture and upgraded heating and cooling systems. The children’s library section will be refreshed and a dedicated teenage zone will be added.

The teen zone will be a welcoming and vibrant, designed for study or relaxation, with a new selection of fiction and non-fiction books, graphic novels, GCSE and A-Level textbooks. The titles will reflect different cultures and countries.

There will be a focus on improved accessibility with books relocated to the lower level for easier access, and more space made available in the library for wheelchairs. The lift will be upgraded for wheelchairs. Toilets will also be refurbished.

While Dulwich Library is closed, nearby Grove Vale, Nunhead and Kingswood libraries will have extended opening hours.