Changes

It nearly burned down in 1982, with the loss of the Russian collection, but survived nonetheless.  

It nearly burned down in 1982, with the loss of the Russian collection, but survived nonetheless.  

It underwent a refurbishment reputed to have cost £3.5million in 2006-2007, blending elements of the old Edwardian edifice with architecture which would do credit to the Mall which faces it across the Town Square.

It underwent a refurbishment reputed to have cost £3.5million in 2006-2007, blending elements of the old Edwardian edifice with architecture which would do credit to the Mall which faces it across the Town Square.

Unfortunately a large chunk of books got lost during the redevelopment process.

Unfortunately a large chunk of books got lost during the redevelopment process ([http://http://www.guardian-series.co.uk/news/1866925.0/ Council admits it destroyed books].

There was a second minor fire in 2008

There was a second minor fire in 2008