Friends House refurbishes library
'The decision to restore the floor was inspired by a photograph of the library when Friends House first opened in the 1920s.'
Friends House Library in Euston is being refurbished to create a welcoming space with the potential for more outreach. The refurbishment includes removing some of the larger furniture pieces to make room for future events, and restoring the wooden floor.
The decision to restore the floor was inspired by a photograph of the library when Friends House first opened in the 1920s. Staff lifted the carpet tiles to discover that it was still more or less intact. The floor will be the centrepiece of the room’s refurbishment.
In order to create a more welcoming space, the enquiry desk will be replaced with ‘something less imposing and accessible for all users’, according to the library’s website. The team also hopes to install glass-paneled doors so people can see what’s on offer from outside the library.
The blog website quakerstrongrooms.org says: ‘Achieving this programme of work in a listed building, while at the same time protecting our collections from the inevitable dust, debris and paint, is a huge task, not made any easier by our current reduced access to Friends House and Covid-safe working practices. We have removed many of the more vulnerable and valuable collections from the room for their protection including a nervous day with art handlers removing sculpture from the high alcoves in the room!
The last major refurbishment of the library was in 1993.
