The future of libraries in North East Lincolnshire will soon be up for debate, as councillors prepare to consider the findings of a recent public consultation.
The consultation, which closed earlier this year, showed strong support for keeping libraries in Waltham and Cleethorpes open, alongside new initiatives to make better use of their space and facilities. Residents also strongly supported reopening Grimsby Central Library, which has been closed since March due to urgent repairs, but a council report said this could only happen “subject to confirmation of the options and costs for refurbishment.”
Since then, the council has announced a temporary pop-up library in Freshney Place and confirmed that councillors will soon be asked to establish options and costs for repairing and refurbishing Grimsby Central Library, redefine the library service needs assessment, and a long-term library strategy.
A report will go before the Economy, Culture and Tourism Scrutiny Panel on Thursday 2 October, before moving to Cabinet on Wednesday 8 October.
The update comes amid ongoing concern over Grimsby Central Library, with many questioning whether its future — particularly after £3.7 million of funding was redirected to the Freshney Place Leisure Scheme.
Part of the Gi Grimsby News team since 2020.