BEXHILL Library will be closing for a significant period of time while renovations and improvements are carried out to modernise the popular facility in Western Road.
At the same time, improvements will be made to the layout of the library including improving child and adult numeracy and literacy and increasing digital inclusion.
Enhancements will also be made to book displays, seating areas, study spaces, the children’s area and the public computer layout.
From September, contractors will begin work on the site to undertake essential maintenance to the building.
This will include the replacement and installation of new glazing, repointing works to the external façade as well a range of maintenance to the internal fabric of the building.
These internal works include fire safety compliance, damp proof treatment, redecoration and new carpeting.
Bexhill Library has recently been fitted with 29 solar panels on the rear flat roof to support energy costs, so these works alongside new glazing, will aim to achieve greater energy efficiency within the building.
Work is due to commence on September 2 and due to the complex nature of the project, the library will need to close for a period of ten weeks to enable safe management of the site from the main contractor.
The programme is expected to be completed on November 23, with the library re-opening on Monday, November 25.
At present the team are exploring whether a “click and collect” service could operate from a local building, but this has not yet been confirmed.
Operational teams are working with the Home Library Service, Bexhill Care in the Community, as well as other regular volunteers and library users to notify them of the planned closure.
The team will also assist customers by encouraging individuals to take more items, with a longer loan date to support access to resources over the closure period.
Additionally, the e-library will continue to remain available online throughout the whole period.
Councillor Ian Hollidge is delighted the work has been given the green light as it is an extremely popular facility but one which desperately needed updating.
He said: “I am extremely pleased this excellent community resource is being properly maintained and improved for future generations of readers and those seeking information.”
