Residents will get the opportunity to have their say on the future location of Redditch Library after Worcestershire County Council's Cabinet today approved the launch of a consultation.
The consultation will focus on the rationale for the change in location for the library, the impact on existing library services and customers along with the proposed plans.
The consultation will start on Monday, 7 November and run for just over 90 days until Friday, 24 February 2023 to take account of the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Further information about how to access the consultation will be announced soon.
Councillor Marcus Hart, Cabinet Member for Communities at Worcestershire County Council, said: "We know how popular Redditch Library is to its customers, how much it means to local residents and what a large catchment area it serves. We are keen to ensure our service levels remain the same and accessible to all, whilst we look into the possible relocation of the library. We want to know what our residents in Redditch think about their local library, so we can include their feedback into future plans for the project. I'd encourage as many local people as possible to take advantage of the opportunity and to have their say.
"To ensure that Redditch Library continues to provide the same important service to residents and community groups within the town, we have specified that if the library is to be relocated; library floor space will remain equal to, or similar to, the current floorspace, and will be arranged in a prominent and visible location. There will be no reduction in library services and the library service will remain accessible to all."
Redditch Library is one of 21 libraries across Worcestershire. It serves the second largest catchment population (86,819) behind The Hive (105,312) and is the second busiest library in terms of customer activity.
Worcestershire County Council has operated from the current building for around 50 years with the Jobcentre Plus moving in April 2018.
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