I?m really pleased we?re in a position to announce plans for the fit-out of our new Central Library. If agreed next week, works such as new floors, electrics, installing a lift, lighting and plumbing can start in July.

The plans include a fantastic children?s library with an immersive story telling room, extensive book collection and comfortable areas to sit and read. Also included are a caf? and ground floor reception area which can be converted into a performance space, free wi-fi and free access to computers, specialist and rare collections room for local study material ? and of course, a large collection of books.

The new Central Library is a key element of the regeneration of this part of the city which is well underway. Along with the new college at one end of Collin Street and the revitalised castle offer at the other, the library would help to breathe new life into the area with its reimagined pedestrian-friendly streets and public spaces, new car park, bus station and shops and heritage-led improvements.

More here

Nottingham has taken the first step on a journey working with children?s charity UNICEF UK towards international recognition as a Child Friendly City.?

The ambitious three-to-five-year partnership, made possible by funding from the National Lottery Community Fund Small Steps Big Changes (SSBC) programme, will see councillors, council staff and local organisations ensure that children and young people help shape and guide decisions which affect them.

As set out in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, local children will have their views heard and taken seriously. They will have a say in council decisions ? from major policies to the care they receive ? as well as the opportunity to help design services and spaces.

For a number of years now we?ve had wonderful engagement through groups like the Youth Cabinet and the Children in Care Council, as well as through our termly Primary Parliament sessions. This project is about widening the reach so we can hear from even more young people. Find out more

I was absolutely delighted to be at the Can We Splash? book launch today at Harvey Hadden Sports Village.

Developed by Active Nottingham, part of Nottingham City Council, Can We Splash? will be used to support introductions to swimming and help create positive first experiences. Many families in Nottingham have never been swimming, either alone or together as a family; many of them are not aware of what to expect when they visit a swimming pool for the first time, and some will not have visited an Active Nottingham leisure centre before. This books aims to help families feel confident to access our pools and learn this vital life skill.

After reading about Mo?s adventures in Can We Splash? families can also win some amazing prizes, with the following up for grabs:

• One three-month Active Nottingham leisure centre pass for the whole family
• One month of Nottingham Swim School swimming lessons for one child
• 25 x Active Nottingham family swim vouchers (valid for up to two adults and three children)

To enter this great drawing competition, simply pick up a competition form when collecting a copy of Can We Splash? or download and print a copy here: https://bit.ly/canwesplash-competition

Can We Splash? will be available for collection, for free, from any Active Nottingham leisure centre from today.

I read the book to a group of 60 local children from Melbury Primary School and St Augustine?s Catholic Primary Academy and can confirm it is a super read.