A proposal to move Stroud Library to the site of the Five Valleys Medical Centre is underway.
The library is currently situated on the first floor of two older connecting buildings in Lansdown, offering limited lift access from street level.
The proposal would see it move to a newly refurbished area on the lower ground floor of the shopping centre in King Street, next to a new GP surgery, with a street-level shop front entrance.
Its relocation would provide a more versatile and larger accessible space, designed to meet the needs of the people who use it. A high street presence could enable more people to use the many services offered by the library and lead to increased opening hours.
A survey will be running for eight weeks, from Monday 28 February to Monday 25 April, to find out your views on the proposed relocation.
You can take part in the survey here: https://haveyoursaygloucestershire.uk.engagementhq.com/stroud-library-relocation-proposal
Four public engagement events will be held at Stroud Library and the Five Valleys Shopping Centre, where staff will be on hand to answer any questions and hard copies of the survey will be available to fill in or take away:
- Stroud Library – Friday 4 March 4.30pm-6.30pm and Thursday 7 April 10am–12noon
- Five Valleys Shopping Centre – Wednesday 9 March 12noon–2pm and Saturday 19 March 10am–12noon
Two focus groups will also be held with partners, supporters and customers so an informed decision can be made based on the opinions expressed at the end of the consultation.
Cllr Dave Norman, Gloucestershire County Council cabinet member for libraries, said: “The existing location of Stroud Library is no longer fit for purpose as it doesn’t provide adequate disabled access, so it’s important we look at providing a more accessible facility.
“The proposed new location would be in the heart of the town centre, giving more people the opportunity to visit the library and the larger space would enable us to further develop the services we provide. We really want to hear what you think of these plans, so please let us know by attending one of the public engagement events or taking part in the survey.”
