LIBRARY bosses have sought to reassure the public after concerns about Colchester's city centre site closing for a year. 

Bosses at Essex County Council have announced the library will temporarily close from September 2 to summer 2025.

The centrepiece of the refurbishment will be the new Children’s Imagination and Literacy Centre on the ground floor, which will be an interactive play space with equipment and fun materials for learning.

The library, which has around 12,600 active members, will be redecorated and get new furniture with energy-saving lighting, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning.

But library users have questioned why the centre needs to close for a year. 

Others asked why the library can’t be temporarily housed whilst the refurbishment takes place.

Colchester Gazette readers shared their opinions on our Facebook page.

Johan West said: “It should not need to take a whole year and the library should be housed in a temporary location if it is going to be shut for that long.”

Tracy Mcdonald added: “A year is ridiculous, people need that library.”

Louisa Cordle said: “You’d think they could relocate somewhere else temporarily. There’s plenty of empty shops around.”

Nick Gouldstone said: “So disappointed to hear this. My daughter absolutely loves going to her local library. I’m dreading having to explain this to her.”

A spokesman for Essex County Council people would still be able to access library services. 

They said: “A mobile library service on Colchester High Street will be provided during the closure, which is accessible for wheelchair users. Other libraries in the local area will also stay open for longer to accommodate library users.  

“All staff will continue to be employed and will be based in the surrounding libraries during the closure. Once Colchester Library reopens, the staff will return.

“While we understand the closure will be disruptive for some users, it allows the library to undergo an extensive refurbishment with works taking place all at once, which is more efficient and cost-effective.

"The result will be an amazing space for current and new library users to visit and enjoy.”

A mobile library will visit Colchester High Street during the closure period on Tuesdays from 10am to 2pm and Fridays from 8.30am to 4pm.