Library users in Richmond are due to benefit from a more modern, fit-for-purpose space amid plans to secure the long-term future of the facility in the heart of the town.
The move, scheduled for late autumn, will see the library move from its current location on Queens Road to the council-owned Mercury House, which has public access and provides customer and registration services.
As well as offering a more modern space, the move aims to provide taxpayers with better value for money by making use of our buildings, reducing costs and making it easier to look after.
Since 2017, the library has been run in partnership with the community organisation CRACCL, which serves Colburn, Catterick and Richmond libraries.
The community organisation is responsible for the maintenance and the upkeep of the interior space, with ourselves responsible for exterior works. The building is partly leased from an external landlord.
In recent years, the building has suffered from maintenance issues and has resulted in parts of the building being closed off. Mercury House offers a viable alternative which is fit-for-purpose.
Executive member for libraries, Cllr Simon Myers, said: “We know how valued Richmond Library is to the town, so we are taking the opportunity to secure a base that better reflects the evolving needs of our community.
“The new space will offer a more flexible layout, a welcoming environment, and improved accessibility to other council services.
“Our volunteers are committed to maintaining a library in Richmond, which may not be possible in its current location due to the risk of further deterioration of the building.
“This move will ensure future stability for this valued facility in a safe, well-maintained building.”
The new library space in Mercury House will operate solely on the ground floor, unlike the current building where some of the library is not accessible to disabled people. The new venue also benefits from disabled parking.