Monday 9 July 2012

"The Hive", Worcester

View to the west overlooking Croft Road railway viaduct and the River Severn from the picture windows of the third floor public library.

This is the second floor showing a section of The Hive where family history research may be undertaken, a facility formerly located in the Trinity Street complex, and many years ago in St Helen's Church in the High Street. There is now a vast repository of research material located here. The former County Hall Records Office section is located just to the left of this picture. Much of the new facilities are open seven days-a-week.

Just a small part of the massive new public library complex which occupies the whole of the third floor of the building.
Today I payed a first visit to the new facilities in Worcester collectively known as "The Hive". This new faculty brings together a range of cultural and administrative services under one roof in a brand new multi-million pound custom-built complex. The facilities on offer are extremely impressive with the emphasis on a wide range of state-of-the-art I.T. equipment, free wi-fi access, together with archaeological services, and the facilities formerly located at Trinity Street and the County Records office. The library itself is huge and covers the whole of the third floor. The lower floors contain facilities aimed at younger people. The building is spacious and air-conditioned with toilets on each floor and is fully accessible for the less able-bodied. There is also an excellent cafe serving a good range of food and drinks. Highly recommended for researchers, historians and for those who just like to sit and read or borrow books and music.