Wantage Library set for major refurbishment
Residents will be able to enjoy a transformed children’s area, new books and dedicated spaces to work and study following a major refurbishment of Wantage Library next year.
The renovation of the Oxfordshire County Council library, which celebrates 35 years of serving the community in 2027, will help meet the needs of Wantage’s growing population.
The proposed changes include moveable shelving to make room for larger events and a new children’s area. The library will also have new windows and doors fitted to improve insulation, cut costs and reduce carbon emissions. This follows the installation of a new heating system and solar panels earlier this year, which will reduce the building’s reliance on electricity from the grid.
Councillor Neil Fawcett, Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Wantage Library is a place where people can discover books, study, meet others and take part in community events. This refurbishment will create a more welcoming and flexible space, with more opportunities for residents to enjoy everything their library has to offer.
“As the library approaches its 35th anniversary, these improvements will help it serve our growing community for years to come, while making the building more energy efficient.”
The building work is being supported by central government decarbonisation funding, with the library improvements paid for through contributions from local developers.
To allow the work to take place, the library is expected to close at 4.30pm on Saturday 2 January 2027 and reopen in late spring.
During the work, residents will be able to use a pop-up library in the library annex, a space previously used by Thames Valley Police.
The temporary library will offer a range of books, computers, printing and other services, including bus pass validation.
The refurbishment forms part of the county council’s ongoing programme to improve and modernise libraries across Oxfordshire.
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