Changes at Harwich Library

By: Essex Library Service

Mon 28/Oct/24

As part of the multi-million pound Dovercourt Capital Regeneration Programme, Harwich Library is set to undergo significant changes. The project, delivered by Essex County Council in partnership with Tendring District Council, aims to revamp the library and enhance local opportunities for residents.

 

 

Harwich Library has relocated to the Harwich Arts and Heritage Centre from 26 September 2024.

 

 

Temporary Relocation Details:

  • New Location: Harwich Arts & Heritage Centre (HAHC), Mayflower School, Main Road, Harwich, CO12 4AJ.
  • Duration: From 26 September - Until early summer 2025.

 

 

During this relocation, the library will continue to serve the community, offering access to books, resources, and learning materials.

 

On Thursdays from 9.30am to 11.30am, a limited service will be available (join the library, returns, renewals, and reservation collection only) due to existing activities at the HAHC. This will be followed by closure from 11.30am to 12 noon.

On the first Saturday of every month the library will be closed, due to non-availability of the main hall. 

On the third Friday of every month the library will open from 1.30 to 5pm only.

 

 

For further information or enquiries, please contact the project team at harwichlibraryaclproject@essex.gov.uk. Residents can look forward to an improved library experience as part of the wider Dovercourt development initiative.

 

 

Regular events and activities

Memory Café: First and third Tuesday of each month, 10.30am-12noon

Baby & Toddler Rhymetime: Every Tuesday, 10.30am-11am

Coffee Morning: Every Thursday, 10am-11.30am

IT Support: Every Thursday, 11.30am-1.30pm

 

 

Parking at the Harwich Arts & Heritage Centre

Parking will be available for customers in the main car park, except at the following times:

8.30am-9am and 2.40pm-3.10pm

 

 

Frequently asked questions

Why and when


Why is this work being done?

 


The library service plan Everyone’s Library Service 2022-2026 commits us to develop a planned programme of building improvements, considering upgrade and cosmetic improvements, how spaces are currently used, opportunities to use them differently and the potential to generate additional income from our estate. Harwich Library needed improvement to meet the standards our customers have a right to expect.

 


 

We have a perfectly good library already. Why change it?

 


We want to develop the existing library so that it is fit for the future. Public space inside the library will benefit from redecoration and new furniture, energy-saving lighting, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning. There will also be a more commodious office for the Registration Service, resulting in an improved service to customers.

 

When is the library shutting?

 


12 September 2024.

 

Alternative provision during closure

 


Will there be alternative provision while the library is shut?

 


Yes, Harwich Library will be relocated to Harwich Arts & Heritage Centre, Mayflower School, Main Road, Harwich, CO12 4AJ.

 

Why is there a two-week gap between Harwich Library closing and the alternative provisions coming into effect?

 


During the interim period, staff from Harwich Library will be supporting the shutdown of the library, before prepping the other location to incorporate study spaces, public access computers and re-shelving of stock.

 

Will there be computers to use at the Harwich Arts & Heritage Centre?

 


Yes there will be four public access computers.

 

Will we be able to print documents?

 


Printing and photocopying services are available.

 

How are you communicating these changes to customers and the wider community?

 


Posters are on prominent display in the library. These clearly state what alternative arrangements are in place to serve our Harwich customers. Regular updates on social media and on this page will provide reminders of alternative provision during closure, show the progress of the refurbishment and home in on details of what customers can expect from the reopened library.

 

The refurbished library

 


When will the refurbished library open?

 


It is anticipated that the library will re-open from summer 2025.

 

Will there be the same amount of stock in the reopened library?

 


We intend to have the same number of books and will continue to monitor and adjust our stock as our active users grow.

 

Will there be any change to the opening hours?

 


There are no current plans to change opening hours; however, library opening hours are reviewed at regular intervals, so Harwich Library opening hours would be part of any future review to ensure the needs of the community are being met.