22
February
2016
|
13:13
Europe/London

A reminder about Oxford Central Library’s move to temporary new home

~~A new, smaller, temporary library will be opened in Oxford’s Castle Quarter at the end of March with facilities including books, audio books and DVD’s for adults and children.

Due to the size and facilities available at the site of the temporary library, internet access, reference information, newspapers, journals and music services will not be available. However these services will still be provided at other libraries in the area. The library service’s Reference Online service and ebooks and eAudio lending services will also be available.

As ever it will be possible to renew online and through the new library app.

The period between when the existing library closes and the new temporary library opens will allow for staff to move the materials to the new location at the Castle Quarter. During this time all usual services will still be available across Oxfordshire’s other libraries- including those in and around the city of Oxford.

Redevelopment of the whole Westgate building is the reason for the relocation – with the central library set to reopen back in its original building in October 2017.

The existing front of the current Central Library building will be replaced to become part of the new curving wall forming the south side of Bonn Square marking the entrance to the new Westgate Oxford.

Once complete, Oxford Central Library, as part of the new Westgate Oxford, will feature a new entrance foyer, refurbished and extended children’s library and new feature windows with views over Bonn Square and Castle Street.

Councillor Lorraine Lindsay-Gale, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Cultural and Community Services, said: “The big changes are imminent so we are now reminding library users and the Oxfordshire public that February 27 is the date when the temporary closure of the central library happens.

“Our staff will then move materials and resources across to the new location at Oxford Castle Quarter before that opens in late March.

“In the interim we encourage library users to make use of our online facilities and other, public libraries in the city and the surrounding county.”