Temporary library to open in Grace Hill, Folkestone, after water damage closed main site last year
A temporary library is being introduced to a town centre after its historic site was closed due to water damage.
After closing the 135-year-old building in Grace Hill, Folkestone, in December, people will now be able to access books and other services at the Shepway Youth Club.
The new site isn’t too far away and is also based in Grace Hill, with people being able to access it from Monday, November 20, Kent County Council (KCC) has confirmed.
It will allow visitors access to much of Folkestone’s local history collection, public computers, free Wi-Fi, a microfilm reader, and a photocopier.
Books and other items will not physically be available to browse and borrow but customers will be able to reserve, pickup and return items from the Kent library stock at the building for free.
KCC’s cabinet member for community and regulatory services, Clair Bell, said: “I am really pleased to announce the opening of Folkestone Library – Heritage and Digital Access.
“This temporary provision will give customers access to many of the important services they’ve been missing.
The county council has also confirmed it is “exploring long-term options” for the reopening of a permanent town centre library.
Cllr Bell added: “We continue to explore all long-term options to see the reopening of a permanent town centre library for Folkestone.
“While that work continues, I hope everyone can enjoy the services being made available via the new Heritage and Digital Access facility.”
The site has been closed since water entered the structure causing flood damage and making it unsafe.
Dozens of campaigners took to the streets in March to protest the closure of the building, after the news was met with fury.
In May, nesting seagulls were blamed for causing some of the damage which forced the closure.
Furthermore, KCC says it will “continue to deliver full library services from the nearest alternative libraries together with extended opening hours at Wood Avenue and Hythe libraries”.
The opening hours for the temporary library will be as follows:
Monday 9.30am-1pm & 2.00-4.30pm
Tuesday 9.30am-1pm & 2pm-4.30pm
Wednesday Closed
Thursday 9.30-1pm & 2pm-4.30pm
Friday 9.30am-1pm – 2pm-4.30pm
Saturday 9.30am-1pm
