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New Library is Officially Open

(18 May 2002)

Although Cookham residents have been allowed to use the new Cookham Library in the last few days, it was not until today, 18 May, that it was officially opened by TV Presenter and Cookham resident Lorraine Kelly.

Lorraine Kelly talks to one of the winners of the book competition

David Oram, who who was part of the original committee that oversaw the project, was there with a big smile on his face along with many dignitaries including Michael Lawrence, who is Chairman of the Council and a Cookham Borough Councillor, the mayor and mayoress, Alan Jay Borough who is a Councillor for Cookham, members of Cookham Parish Council, including the new Chairman Pat Woodbridge and also the ex Chairman Tony Prichard. The complete Library staff were there and many others from Maidenhead and Windsor Borough Council.

David Oram shakes hands with ... a mouse!!

The new facilities will not only have a new library, but also a cyber café, new Parish Offices and a Community Room. The WI had a cake stall in the new Community room and also the Cookham Society had a stall selling programmes for the Jubilee. Entertainment had been laid on for the children. 

The WI have a cake stall

The Community Room has a wet area, although most of it is carpetted, so it will make an ideal place for smaller meetings. The WI are already talking about having their monthly meetings there.

Bill Spicer shows off the Jubilee Souvenir Programme

Entertainment had been laid on for the children along with a large number of balloons. Every now and then there was a loud bang as one of them popped.

Entertainment for the children in the Community Room

There will also be a Community room, which will be carpeted, but will have a 'wet' area for those who wish to have such things as painting or art classes. It will not be a large room, but large enough for a comfortable meeting room. It is not intended to be used for discos or a Youth Club, which was a worry of some residents. 

Lorraine Kelly and Councillor Jennor look at the Cookham.com web page

The new library is much larger than the old one.  It will also has a separate 'cyber café' containing four computers with high speed ADSL line.  In addition there are two computers in the actual library itself.  Individuals will be able to book the computer room for computer training. There are also special courses being arranged by the Royal Borough.

Lots of fun for all

The Parish Office is also housed in the new building. This is scheduled to be opened on the 24th June by Dr David Mercer when the Time Capsule will also be buried.

It was agreed by everyone that it was a great improvement for Cookham and that it blended into the surroundings beautifully.

The crowded Community Room

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