Bicester’s brand new library has now opened

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.

Head of Oxfordshire County Council’s Library Service, Jillian Southwell, said: “From Spring onwards I believe this fresh, modern, new library with its improved facilities will become a focal point for a town that is growing but at the same time retaining its own distinctive character as an Oxfordshire town.

“We also want this new library to 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 fortnightly 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 previous Bicester library will closed its doors on Saturday, March 19.
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.