Bisset Adams unveils new High Wycombe library

The library, which opened to the public earlier this month, features sliding and folding walls and self-service check-outs for book borrowers.

Buckinghamshire County Council awarded the library specialist the contract in December 2006 following a four-way pitch against Curious Orange, Faulkner Browns and one other consultancy.

Situated within the town’s new £185m shopping and leisure complex the Eden Centre, the library occupies a 2500m2 space over three floors and a mezzanine level.

The interior is divided into areas for books, multimedia, meeting, teaching and learning, and features a family history department, exhibition space and dedicated libraries for children and teenagers.

Most of the building’s ground floor footprint is given over to retail, so Bisset Adams has created a matchstick lighting concept to draw the eye upwards to the library. Inside, a translucent canopy Barrisol ceiling can be used as a canvas for lighting effects.

Bisset Adams is also refurbishing Ealing Central Library in west London, which is due to open in July.