Jeremy Paxman officially opened the brand new Shepherds Bush Library on 14 September 2009, together with the most prolific child-reader in London…..a five year old boy, Benjamin Chang! Newsnight presenter Jeremy Paxman is an avid library user, and with the new library situated at the Westfield shopping centre just a stones throw from his office at BBC Television Centre, it could not be more conveniently placed for him. Cllr Paul Bristow, cabinet member for residents’ services, said: “The building is sure to be a real surprise for people who dont usually visit our libraries. Make sure that you pop in next time you are doing your shopping at Westfield. I am sure you will be impressed.” The new Shepherds Bush library houses over 10000 books, has a dedicated new childrens space as well as a new stock of computer games, CDs and DVDs that can also be borrowed. One of the most innovative aspects of the new library is the Work Zone facility which sees Ealing Hammersmith & West London College and Job Centre Plus join with the council to provide a dedicated recruitment and retention service for retailers and employers to fill their jobs locally. Cllr Bristow added: “Residents will be thrilled to know that the library has been built at no cost to local taxpayers. The library and Work Zone have been built and fitted out by Westfield Ltd at a cost of over £2million, as part of the detailed negotiations for community benefits when planning consent for the shopping centre was granted …
