A petition calling for Grimsby Central Library to be saved and restored to full use has gathered over 500 signatures.
The campaign, led by the Grimsby, Cleethorpes and District Civic Society, comes amid an ongoing consultation by North East Lincolnshire Council (NELC) regarding the future of library and archive services across the borough.
In a statement, the group voiced “serious concern,” warning that many local artefacts and amenities have already been removed “without clear parameters, direction or public consultation”.
It called for Grimsby Central Library to “remain in its current location and for the upper floors to be fully reopened to provide a vibrant and social public space for both residents and visitors.”
It also asked for Cleethorpes Library to be “kept in its current, purpose built building,” asserting that “Cleethorpes is a well used library, which as well as book-lending, hosts many exhibitions and events.”
While NELC has stated that the consultation is ongoing and no final decision has been made, it has asserted there are no plans to sell or demolish the Grimsby Central Library building. However, the council has previously expressed interest in the possibility of ‘co-locating’ Grimsby Central Library and Cleethorpes Library within other venues, such as shopping centres or leisure facilities.
Grimsby Central Library is currently closed due to water damage and the discovery of asbestos. All books have been removed, and no reopening date has been confirmed.
Adding to public concern, £3.7 million in funding originally allocated to restore the library’s upper floors has been redirected to support the controversial £50 million Freshney Place Leisure Scheme. The reallocation, coupled with the temporary closure of Grimsby library, has heightened public fears over the long-term future of both Grimsby Central and Cleethorpes libraries.
The petition can be found here.
Part of the Gi Grimsby News team since 2020.