Longer opening of mobile library says Colchester councillor

Lee Scordis has written an open letter to Essex County Council’s cabinet member for the Arts, Heritage and Culture, Mark Durham, asking for an additional mobile library availability while Colchester Library is being renovated. 

Mr Scordis also urged the council to look at a temporary shop unit to house a pop-up library in. 

In the letter, he said: “Currently the mobile library is on Colchester High Street, but only for two days and during work hours. I am wondering if it is possible to offer the service during at least one evening a week?  

“As that all buses go through the city centre this would allow those in full-time work to drop off or collect books from here in the evening. 

Library - Colchester Library has been shut for renovations

“However we must remember that libraries are not just about books. They offer a safe and warm space for people to meet, read the people and be in the company of others. They also offer vital IT services and printing.  

“Has the council considered looking at a temporary shop unit to help house these services while the main library is closed?” 

Essex County Council said it has carefully considered options to keep the services as open as possible and find practical alternatives during the process. 

A spokesman for the council said: "The complexity and scale of the refurbishment at Colchester Library meant it has been necessary to close the whole library site to allow the safe completion of the works. 

More - Councillor Lee Scordis suggested more opening hours (Image: Public)

“Works will see the creation of an exciting new Children’s Imagination and Literacy Centre. This is in addition to major improvements to the library, such as new heating, lighting and air conditioning. 

“While the closure is in place, we have extended the opening hours at nearby Wivenhoe, Prettygate and Greenstead libraries. Staff who normally work at Colchester Library have been redeployed to support these extended opening hours.” 

Due to previous incidents of anti-social behaviour and vandalism at the library, the council does not feel “it is appropriate to have the mobile library open in evenings”. 

“As staff are working at other library sites in the area, they are not available to run a ‘pop-up’ site in the city centre either,” the spokesman added. 

“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.”