The council's adult learning team is being permanently integrated into Penrith Library in an effort to increase accessibility to a broad range of courses.

The project, which began on Monday, is designed to give adults in the community easier access to both qualification and non-qualification courses across a variety of subjects.

Initial work involves minimal disruption of library services during the creation of a designated storage area.

However, for safety reasons, the library will temporarily close this Saturday, October 14, reopening on Monday, October 16. This is to ensure the safety of visitors during some structural work.

Phase two of the project, set to begin on Monday, November 6, involves the temporary relocation of the library staff workroom functions to the Local Interest/Reference area.

As such, the Local History collection and reader printers will be available by appointment only from October 23 until Christmas.

Additional main library study areas will be set up for user convenience.

The renovations may necessitate short-term delays or relocation of library events and activities.

Upon project completion, the adult learning service will operate full-time from the library, promising an improved access to its quality skills and community learning programmes.

Councillor Sue Sanderson, Westmorland and Furness Council Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Education and Skills, said: “This project will make it easier for adults in the Eden area to pursue improvements in their knowledge and personal growth.

“Creating a community learning hub in the library will ensure adults have the support they need, in an accessible location, to thrive and develop their knowledge and skills.

“Our Council Plan outlines an ambition to enable people to thrive by providing opportunities for education, health and wellbeing and to support opportunities for jobs, learning and skills development, and improving access to adult learning is a key part of that.’’