New investment in Children's Library at Guilles-Alles

Monday 15 October 2018

The children’s section of the Guille-Alles library is being turned into a world where young people can learn, have fun and feel inspired, thanks to different investors.

Private bank, Julius Baer Guernsey, is one of the latest organisations to put its hand in its pocket in support of the transformation.

Phase one of the renovation is already complete. This involved the maintenance of the existing two rooms, plaster repairs, ceiling works and preparing for the remodelling of the rooms ahead of phase two.

It also included installing structural steelwork in the floor, the removal and installation of a new screen and all the preparation of the electrical and plumbing services.

The second phase of the project began at the end of the school summer holidays with books being transferred from the Children's Library to their temporary home in the Reading Room to enable the main fitting work to begin.

“A lot of the structural elements of the renovation are being built off site before they are fitted. We will then have a final fundraising push just before our grand opening at the end of this year,” said Ian Bloese, Trustee.

“By the end of the project we will have delivered a legacy to the island that will be enjoyed by children for generations to come.”

Pictured: Guille Alles Library. 

Craig Allen, head of investment management at Julius Baer Guernsey said; “Learning how to read and being excited by books is such a fundamental skill for all children. Being able to support the Guille-Allès in the exciting transformation of the Children’s Library is both an honour and privilege and we hope that even more businesses and individuals will come forward in the final fundraising push.” 

“We are inviting members of the public to buy a brass plate, with the name of a family member or similar engraved on it, to name one of the nooks in the library. We are hopeful that all 300 plus nooks can be named in order to raise more money for the project,” added Laura Milligan, Chief Librarian.

Pictured top: L-R Laura Milligan the Guille Allez Library’s Chief Librarian, Craig Allen head of investment management at Julius Baer Guernsey and Cornelia James the Children’s Librarian.