THE future of Nailsea's library is now secure, thanks to a council initiative.
On Friday, October 14, North Somerset Council signed a 125-year lease in an attempt to secure the long-term future of Nailsea library.
The library provides an important hub and meeting place for the community, regardless of age.
Future plans involve relocation to 6-8 Colliers Walk, formerly home to HSBC bank. This means the facility will remain in the town centre, and subsequently stays in the centre of the community.
The relocation is planned to occur before next summer.
Cllr Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council's executive member for neighbourhoods and community services, said: "We’re committed to continuing to provide a library in a prominent, highly visible location in the heart of the town centre."
At the core of the council’s strategy is the need to move with the times and make libraries modern and accessible. A place where people can go and benefit from the multitude of services, including;
- offering free access to computers, the internet and digital support
- hosting community support and advice sessions
- providing activities for families and people of ages
- providing access to over 2.5 million items through the LibrariesWest consortium
The relocation marks the inevitable closure of the existing 50-year-old Library facility situated in Somerset Square.
Despite Nailsea being a 'top-performing' library, its current site is no longer fit-for-purpose for a host of reasons. It suffers from a range of problems and would be prohibitively expensive to repair and make accessible. Any financial investment would be better used in a different more energy-efficient building.
Relocating the library will not only help it meet accessibility standards but will also provide an extension of library opening times, a meeting space for the community, increased capacity for events and activities, save energy and be more cost-effective to run.
Library relocation is subject to planning and landlord consent and is supported by Nailsea Town Council.
North Somerset Council is investigating options for the library's future as part of the emerging Nailsea placemaking strategy. It's working with owners of the surrounding land and the town council.
A library can often be a lifeline for people and these plans for the future acknowledge this.
By Emily Thomas
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