Changes at Harwich Library

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 will close from Thursday 12 September 2024 and will be relocated to the Harwich Arts and Heritage Centre from 26 September 2024.

 

 

Temporary Relocation Details:

• New Location in September 2024: Harwich Arts & Heritage Centre (HAHC), Mayflower School, Main Road, Harwich, CO12 4AJ.
• Duration: From 26 September - Until early summer 2025.
• Opening hours will remain the same

 

 

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

 

At the following times, a limited service will be available (join the library, returns, renewals, and reservation collection only) due to existing activities at the HAHC:

Thursdays 9am-11.30am                                              

First Saturday of the month and third Friday of the month, 9am-1.30pm

 

 

For further information or enquiries, please contact the project team at [email protected]. Residents can look forward to an improved library experience as part of the wider Dovercourt development initiative.

 

 

Loans and reservations

Items on loan are having their due dates extended to 15 October and beyond, depending on date of issue.

 

It's not currently possible to specify Harwich as a pickup location for holds, but this will once again be possible from 26 September. Nearest alternative libraries are Walton and Manningtree.

 

Regular events and activities

Memory Café: First and third Tuesday of each month, 10.30am-12noon, starting 1 October 

Baby & Toddler Rhymetime: Every Tuesday, 10.30am-11am, starting 1 October

Coffee Morning: Every Thursday, 10am-11.30am, starting 3 October

IT Support: Every Thursday starting 10 October (to be confirmed) 

 

 

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 Baby & Toddler Rhymetimes be continuing?

 

Our regular Rhymetimes will continue at the Harwich Arts & Heritage Centre, every Tuesday from 1 October 2024, at 10.30am.

 

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

 

Yes there will be 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.