Bideford’s long-awaited modernised library will open in mid-June.
It’s in our Grade II listed Arts Centre building on The Quay, which we’ve renovated at a cost of £1.85m.
The town’s current library, based in the town hall, will be closed from Monday May 29. This will give Libraries Unlimited time to complete the removal arrangements.
Currently our Victorian-era Arts Centre building is used by our adult education service Learn Devon, and before the renovation it was underused and needed updating.
Restoration work on some of the original features and fittings has also been carried out, with the building’s original Victorian ceilings re-exposed and their features repaired.
Once open, the building will house both services and will include a range of new facilities including a lift to make the facility fully accessible to everyone.
The Bideford Bridge Trust has kindly donated to the new children’s library and their funding has purchased furniture for the children’s area.
The Chope Collection has been rehoused into beautiful new cabinets, which customers can request to browse.
The Juniper Room, which holds the Chope Collection, will be available to hire, as well as hosting library activities including sensory play sessions, crafts, and storytelling.
The new library will have six public computers, Wi-Fi printing, comfortable chairs to relax in, lots of new books, a bright children’s library, and a great team ready to help.
Councillor Roger Croad, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Communities and Equality, said:
“I’m pleased that the town will have the library that it deserves; an exciting and stimulating place where the advantages of a modern library and learning opportunities are housed in one building. It will significantly benefit Bideford and its wider community.
“This new library will offer a wide range of events, activities, books, information and resources.”
Alex Kittow, Chief Executive, Libraries Unlimited said
“Bideford Library is at the heart of the local community, and I am delighted that our exciting development plans are being realised.
“The library will be fully accessible and will have all the facilities the local community expect from a modern library.
“It will be a bright and welcoming space taking up the entire second floor of the old arts centre building as well as offering a flexible space on the first floor to be used for events and activities, a study area or as a hireable room for community and business use. We are looking forward to moving in!”
Bideford Library will keep their current phone number.
Book loans will be extended to cover the closure period and customers are encouraged to use online services to reserve, renew and browse at devonlibraries.org.uk, or to visit the nearest libraries at Appledore, Northam, Torrington and Barnstaple. Check the website for library opening times devonlibraries.org.uk.