Worcester Library and History Centre
Valuable community space
Award-winning project
"Science in Your World" trial activities
The Hive
The first fully integrated Public and University Library and so much more – all under one amazing roof.
Situated in landscaped surroundings a stone’s throw from the University’s new city campus, the centre will add a stunning new chapter to the story of the city which gave us the world’s oldest newspaper, Elgar and Royal Worcester.
And there is something for everyone...
Library
Housing the University and Public Library services in a fully integrated way with the amazing variety of collections being open to all. Part of the offering is a magical children’s library with spaces to get creative; a Heritage Trail to explore and a huge range of books, CDs and DVDs to enjoy.
History
Over 26,000 records of historic sites and buildings and 12 miles of original documents to discover. The history of Worcestershire from after the last Ice Age to the present day brought to life using the latest technologies.
Hub
The Worcestershire Hub is the first point of contact for council services across Worcestershire. The existing Worcester Customer Service Centre, based in Orchard House on Farrier Street, will relocate to the centre. Visitors will be able to get information and advice about a wide range of council services, either by speaking to one of the Hub’s friendly and experienced advisors or by using public computers and payment kiosks to manage their own enquiry. The Hub will also be working with other agencies to offer on-site surgeries for customers.
University
Students and staff will be able to find a space that suits their study needs from group work to individual silent research. Full wireless coverage and over 250 desk-top computers are available, with experienced staff on-hand to help and advise everyone on using the extensive digital and print resources.
Meet
Situated in a convenient central location with picturesque surroundings the centre makes an ideal place to meet friends and family for a cup of coffee and slice of cake, maybe visiting the exhibitions and events that are taking place whilst there.
Research
From PhDs to a child’s first school project the resources available in the centre will enrich and inform all levels of research activity opening up new avenues and ideas as the individual’s journey of discovery unfolds.
Learning
Learn formally, informally, gain a new skill or just for fun. The ethos at the centre is that learning never stops and there is something for everyone whatever their age or background. WiFi, a quarter of a million books, journals, DVDs and music collections all play their part in making learning truly something for everyone.
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Worcester Music Festival
Pre-opening events at The Hive have been enjoyed by a staggering 5,600 visitors.
The latest event on Saturday 28 April saw Worcester Music Festival hosted at The Hive for an all-signing all-dancing, one-off spectacular public event to showcase some of the best musical talent from across the county.
Read the full press release.
Facts and Figures
- Opening July 2012
- Will be the first of its kind in Europe
- 12 miles of archive collections
- Winner of one international award for the building's design
- Shortlisted for two national awards
- A quarter of a million books
- Anticipating over a million visitors per year
- 10,000m2 of public space, over five floors
- 800 study stations
- Over 26,000 records of historic monuments and buildings
- Landmark design
Location
The Hive is situated in the centre of Worcester.
The Hive
Sawmill Walk
The Butts
Worcester
WR1 3PB
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Fairman. R. The Worcester Library and History Centre: A Shared Vision – A Single Community; Inspiration, Innovation, Celebration:
an Entrepreneurial Conference for Librarians. June 3-4, 2009, University of North Carolina.
- Hannaford, A. Worcester: an integrated service for education & community; Library & Information Update, Jan/Feb 2009 p56/7.
