WELLINGTON Library will be heading back to its permanent location in Fore Street next month after being refurbished.

The move means the library will have to close at its temporary home in North Street from 1pm on Saturday, September 7, and reopen in Fore Street on Monday, September 30 at 9.30am.

The refurbishment included work on the fabric of the building, which dates to the early 1800s and has been operating as Wellington library in that location since 1969.

The upgrades focused on:

• Improving accessibility for staff and visitors across all floors of the building

• Increasing the thermal efficiency of the Grade 1 listed building in line with Somerset Council’s ongoing commitment to decarbonisation and its Climate Emergency Strategy

• Creating a library and associated complementary services that work to connect the community, enable partnership working and provide advice and guidance to all customers to the site

Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, executive lead member for Communities, Housing and Culture, said: “The upgraded premises, housing the library and health and wellbeing services, creates a wonderful hub for the local community and visitors alike.

“The closure will give our team of skilled staff time to move thousands of items, from the temporary library premises in North Street, and items in storage into the refurbished building.”

Information for customers:

• All items on loan will be automatically renewed until at least 21 October 2024, giving extra time in which to return them after the library re-opens. Items overdue before the closure will be automatically renewed, but customers will have the overdue charge to pay.

• You will still be able to make a reservation from Wellington Library, but there will be a delay due to the closure. Reservations will start to become available at Wellington Library from 30 September when it re-opens.

• You can reserve and collect items from another library of your choice, during the closure period. You can place reservations via your account at www.librarieswest.org.uk

• Opening hours will be, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9.30am – 5.00pm, and Thursday and Saturday 9.30am -1.00pm

• Keep an eye on the council's Facebook page for more updates.