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Liverpool's Central Library reopens after £50m facelift | Liverpool's Central Library reopens after £50m facelift |
(about 2 hours later) | |
Liverpool's Central Library has reopened to the public after a £50m refurbishment that has taken more than two years. | Liverpool's Central Library has reopened to the public after a £50m refurbishment that has taken more than two years. |
The refurbishment was the result of a decade of planning and it took four months to re-stock four million books, prints and paintings. | The refurbishment was the result of a decade of planning and it took four months to re-stock four million books, prints and paintings. |
The library, on William Brown Street, originally opened in 1860. | The library, on William Brown Street, originally opened in 1860. |
Rare treasures include the original 1207 Charter signed by King John, which granted Liverpool city status. | Rare treasures include the original 1207 Charter signed by King John, which granted Liverpool city status. |
There is also an "extremely valuable" copy of The Birds of America, by naturalist and painter John James Audubon, as well as paintings by the 19th Century artist Edward Lear. | There is also an "extremely valuable" copy of The Birds of America, by naturalist and painter John James Audubon, as well as paintings by the 19th Century artist Edward Lear. |
During the renovations, the facade of the Grade II* listed building, specialist libraries and reading rooms were restored. | During the renovations, the facade of the Grade II* listed building, specialist libraries and reading rooms were restored. |
New facilities, including a temperature-controlled repository, have been built. | New facilities, including a temperature-controlled repository, have been built. |
Giant books | |
The Oak Room, which dates back to 1914, was previously only viewed by appointment but is now open to all. | The Oak Room, which dates back to 1914, was previously only viewed by appointment but is now open to all. |
A literary pavement, leading to the library entrance, displays the names of writers and titles from the world of books, cinema and music from Pride and Prejudice to Ulysses; Schindler's List to Apocalypse Now. | A literary pavement, leading to the library entrance, displays the names of writers and titles from the world of books, cinema and music from Pride and Prejudice to Ulysses; Schindler's List to Apocalypse Now. |
Bombed during World War II, most of the library, except for the façade, was destroyed and later rebuilt and extended in the 1950s and 1970s. | Bombed during World War II, most of the library, except for the façade, was destroyed and later rebuilt and extended in the 1950s and 1970s. |
The library is also taking part in LightNight, when the city's museums, galleries and heritage sites open late. | |
It will be lit up with an interactive digital display in which giant books will be projected on to the facade. | |
When people select one of 16 featured books it will come to life on the wall - for example, if Alice in Wonderland is chosen, an animation of Alice will be seen leaping from window to window, peering inside. |
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