A reminder about upcoming changes to Bicester's library service

The library has long been planned by Oxfordshire County Council and Cherwell District Council as part of Franklins House, the new community building at the heart of the multimillion pound regeneration of Bicester Town Centre.

Councillor Lorraine Lindsay-Gale, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Cultural and Community Services, said: “Our Spring opening date is now just around the corner.

“I am looking forward to seeing this fresh, modern, new library with its improved facilities becoming a focal point for a town that is growing but at the same time retaining its own distinctive character as an Oxfordshire town.

“The library will also be a significant part of Oxfordshire County Council’s Library Service in future years.”

The new library will be larger than the current facility and will allow Oxfordshire County Council’s Library Service to offer an improved service.

There will be more public access computers than at the current Bicester Library and the availability of WiFi will offer increased opportunities for people to get online and further develop their digital skills.

There’ll also be a broader choice of books and audio visual items and increased opportunities to join in with regular activities such as weekly rhyme-times for babies and toddlers, family learning activities and reading groups.

Bicester Local History Society and the National Careers Service will have their own dedicated areas in the library and there will be a weekly Job Club surgery in the Bicester Connect area of the facility.

The project to create the new facility has been paid for by developers as part of the expansion of Bicester. There is no cost to the public purse.

The current Bicester library will close its doors at 4:30pm on Saturday, March 19. Staff will spend three weeks moving stock to the new library ready for it to open on Monday, April 11 at 9:30am.

No items will be due for return during the closure period and loan periods will be extended. Library users may return items to any Oxfordshire library. All library opening hours can be found at www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/libraries.

Readers are welcome to use other libraries and online services, which include e-books and e-audio books and Reference Online. These are also available via the library service’s Library app. Search for “Oxfordshire Libraries” at the App store or Google Play.

There will also be a Cherwell District Council Link Point alongside a restaurant and both office and retail space.

To find out about all the changes happening in Bicester, visit www.growingbicester.co.uk. This website has been established following feedback from residents and traders who have requested more information and consultation regarding the town’s growth.