The Local History Library @ The ETR has been created by Sunderland City Council in the former Royal Bank of Scotland branch on the corner of Fawcett Street and High Street West in the city centre.
While its launch date is yet to be confirmed, work is well underway to get it ready for visitors.
The building has a past which has seen it be used as a tea room, a draper, a tailor, a jeweller, a furrier and a bank, with its new role set to help generations to come discover the city’s past and people.
It was built in 1872 by Henry Cooper from designs by Frank Caws and on behalf of tea merchant Ronald Grimshaw
Sunderland City Council, which now owns it and will run the library service, says it was once home to a business credited with controlling one of the largest retail tea, coffee, and grocery trades in the North East of England.
Here, we take a look at what it looks like as the regeneration work reaches the home straight.
1. Stairway to Sunderland
Sunderland's Local History Library @ ETR stairway features artwork by Kathryn Robertson, who has created a mural featuring landmarks from across Wearside.
Photo: Stu Norton
2. Eyes on the skies to spot building's elephants
The elephants which give the building its name can still be spotted on the top section of the building, which is within the Historic High Streets Heritage Action Zone and aims to improve the shop frontages of the buildings in the area.
Photo: Stu Norton
3. Turning the pages of time
Library manager Allison Clarke takes a look through one of the many records from the shelves of the centre. It will have a host of records to hand, from census details to newspaper clippings.
Photo: Stu Norton
4. It's all in the detail
Kathryn Robertson's window display artwork is filled with loads of detail, including a nod to the library's neighbour Mackie's Corner, which is also at the heart of a restoration project in its own right.
Photo: Stu Norton