A North Yorkshire library is preparing to turn a new page as it relocates to a town centre building to to improve services for customers and save money for taxpayers.
Richmond Library will move from Queens Road to Mercury House on Station Road, reopening at 10am on Monday, November 23.
The Queens Road library will close at 1pm on Saturday, October 31.
Richmond Library, which is currently located on Queens Road. (Image: NYC)
Simon Myers, executive member for culture and arts at North Yorkshire Council, said: "We are excited to see the benefits that the relocation will bring to library users, securing its long-term future in the heart of the town.
"The new space is fit-for-purpose and reflects the evolving needs of the community, bringing the library under the same roof as other important council services.
"Staff and volunteers will host regular activities such as storytimes, provide IT support, and customers can enjoy hot drinks while reading or studying in comfortable surroundings.
"Richmond Library currently attracts more than 1,700 visitors each month, and we hope the refurbishment will bring in even more people."
The move will let the council use its own building, cut costs and provide more modern, accessible facilities.
Customers can borrow extra books during the closure, with longer return dates.
Alternative libraries are available in Colburn and Catterick.
Since 2017, the library has been run in partnership with CRACCL, the community organisation managing libraries in Colburn, Catterick and Richmond.
Volunteers deliver day-to-day services with support from council staff.
The current library building is partly leased from an outside landlord and has ongoing maintenance problems.
The problems have forced parts of the building to close.
Mercury House offers a practical, fit-for-purpose alternative.
The new site will have an improved children’s section for school visits.
Other upgrades include a dedicated IT area and ground-floor space for the local studies collection, currently accessible only by stairs.
Mercury House also has disabled parking, bus stops outside the building and an accessible entrance.
The improved location is intended to attract more visitors and better serve the community.
The council says the move will secure the library’s future and deliver better value for money.