Freshney Place set to house temporary Grimsby Town Centre pop-up library

Members of North East Lincolnshire Council’s Economy, Culture and Tourism Scrutiny Panel met today to examine the proposed preferred site for the temporary relocation.

The Scrutiny Committee heard how officers had looked at several council-owned, town centre buildings to house the small-scale, pop-up library. Priorities in finding the most suitable location included space, availability, ease of access and a welcoming environment.

As a result, a unit in Freshney Place was identified as the most suitable as it presented the largest space available within council control in which to develop a temporary library service within the town centre.

Councillors across the borough were informed of this preferred option last month, which led to the holding of a special meeting of the Scrutiny Panel to allow for questions to be answered by the relevant council officers. At the close of the meeting, members recommended that the temporary arrangement be reviewed every three months rather than every 12 months. This recommendation has been accepted and included as part of the decision.

This means that the temporary relocation of  a pop-up library service to Freshney Place can now proceed.

The council wishes to stress that this is not a permanent library move but is required due to the temporary closure of the central library building, following a water leak earlier this year that risked asbestos disturbance. Assessment and survey work is still on-going to determine the extent of the repairs needed.  Meanwhile the safe removal of all books and the local history collection continues to ensure that, if there is asbestos disturbance, none of the material is damaged.

The temporary closure of Grimsby Library and the introduction of a pop-up location has no bearing on the current Library Service consultation, which is still ongoing. Phase two of this 12-week consultation will close this Wednesday 9 July at 5pm.

Cllr Hayden Dawkins, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and the Visitor Economy said: “I am pleased that the decision to establish a temporary pop-up library in the town centre has been agreed upon. The council is aware of how important the library service is for local people, and we hope that residents will continue to use the temporary service while we determine the extent of the repair works needed at Grimsby Central Library.

“I must stress again, that no decisions have been made on the future of the library service. There are just 48 hours left for people to give us their views on how they would like to see the service progress, and I urge anyone who has not already done so to please go to Have your say | NELC where you can find the consultation details and a full question and answer page.

“The two-phase library consultation is about seeking everyone’s views as the Council looks to develop and grow a vibrant service that will ensure thriving facilities into the future.”

• Due to the temporary closure of Grimsby Central Library, Lincs Inspire’s Digital Assistance is still taking place by appointment only and people should call  01472 323650.  for more details.
• The Credit Union is now open for walk-in clients at a new base at Grimsby’s Doughty Learning Centre. The door to their office is at the side of the building, next to the car park on the left hand side of the Town Hall): Opening hours are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays: 10am until 2pm. www.hullandeycu.co.uk