City of York Council is seeking around £800,000 in Big Lottery funding for a major improvement scheme at Tang Hall Library.

An application to the Big Lottery's community libraries programme is currently being prepared and will be submitted ahead of the closing date on 30 March. The council will hear if its bid has been successful in September of this year.

The funding bid for Tang Hall Library will outline plans to extend and refurbish the existing library building and create a library learning centre. The proposals are for improvements similar to those due to be carried out at Acomb Library.

The new building would have additional learning rooms and facilities, including a crèche and a café, and would be more accessible and welcoming.

Fiona Williams, head of libraries and heritage for the council, said: "We want to work with the community to develop both the design of the building and the services offered from it, and are currently identifying key partners and stakeholders."

The council would welcome feedback from both users and non-users about what they would like to see at the new library learning centre, as well as ideas about  what would encourage them to visit and use it. Anyone who would like to air their views is asked to contact Fiona Williams by emailing fiona.williams@york.gov.uk or telephoning 01904 553316.

The community libraries programme aims to recognise the key role that libraries have in the community and provides funding to strengthen that relationship.  To stand a chance of securing funding, the council must submit plans for improvements that enhance and develop traditional library services. Successful bids must invigorate libraries as centres of wider community learning, development and learning-based activities; create, improve and develop library spaces that meet the needs of the whole community; and be innovative and promote good practice in the ways that libraries are designed and run.