Unfortunately, Colchester library has now closed for a four-figure refurbishment.
Whilst funding of £337,500 is being put into a new ‘Children’s Imagination and Literacy Centre’, it is at the loss of a study space and research hub for so many people.
Having access to spaces like ‘The Local studies and Quiet Study zone’ upstairs was great for when College was overwhelmingly busy.
Colchester Library have stated that other libraries such as Wivenhoe and Sudbury library will have extended opening and closing dates.
However, as a college student, this is sadly not a suitable alternative.
Upon reading comments left on the Colchester Library’s Facebook page, there is a mix of excitement and concern.
A worried mother, Kate Woodroof, commented “My eldest starts sixth form college in September and was planning on using the library as a “free” place to study. Can you suggest alternatives, they are not happy.”
To best facilitate the change, the Essex Colchester mobile library service is parked on the High Street on Tuesdays and Fridays filled with books at the ready for the public’s needs.
Despite the inconvenient closure, the refurbishment will hopefully be of great use to Colchester, specifically the younger children.
According to Essex County Council, development within Colchester’s children’s “Early years” are one of the lowest in the county.
This new facility will hopefully be an opportunity to inspire a love for learning.
However, is this at the cost of the college students who relied on the library to aid their studies?
Speaking with the manager of Red Lion books, Jo, she states “We are very sad for the community with the library’s temporary closure. Access to reading should be accessible to all, at all times. As a bookshop, we love connecting with our customers, but we are a business and won’t be accessible to everyone.”
Red Lion Books confirmed they “considered opening [their] space for students, toddler groups etc... but we don’t have the (physical) accessibility to run these groups which has highlighted how vital these public spaces are.”
The manager hopes the refurbishments will be of use to Colchester but would “like to see and know more about them before commenting.”
Although this is evidently a disruptive closure, we can remain open-minded like Jo.
The manager emphasised how these refurbishments could innovate Colchester, stating “Norwich is the city of stories. We could be (and should be) the city of nursery rhymes! Let’s make it happen.”
It was inspiring to hear a sense of community run through the manager’s responses.
The absence of the library will not go unnoticed for students, but the people of Colchester can only hope the refurbishments will be worth noticing next year for improving children’s literacy.
If so, this will be a great asset to Colchester’s learning environment.
