Henley-on-Thames, (December 2024) – Henley Library is set to undergo a full internal refurbishment beginning in January 2025, transforming it into a modern, welcoming space for the entire community. To ensure that library services remain accessible during this period, the Town Council and Oxfordshire County Council  have worked together to arrange for the Old Fire Station Gallery to temporarily house the library's services. This refurbishment, which is set to last for approximately 12 weeks, is part of an exciting project that aims to enhance both the library’s facilities and its environmental sustainability.

What’s Happening at the Library?

The refurbishment will include significant improvements to the library’s layout and facilities, ensuring a more user-friendly experience for all. Key features of the upgrade include:

• A new layout and contemporary furniture designed by one of the UK's leading library designers.
• Moveable shelving, enabling the space to be used for multiple purposes.
• A bespoke children's area designed to engage and inspire young minds.
• Dedicated workstations with charging points, offering a comfortable environment for customers to work using their own devices, alongside public computers with printing, scanning, and copying facilities.
• A wide selection of new books and materials for both adults and children.

In addition, the project will focus on improving the building’s carbon footprint with sustainable upgrades such as double-glazed windows and a new heating system featuring a heat pump.

Temporary Library Services at the Old Fire Station Gallery

During the closure, library services will operate from the Old Fire Station Gallery in the town centre. The temporary library will open on Monday, 6th January 2025, and will offer a limited but essential range of services, including:

• A selection of stock for both adults and children.
• A reservation service and free Click and Collect service.
• Bus pass validations.
• Rhymetimes and Warm Spaces for community engagement.

The temporary library will operate under the following hours:

• Monday: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
• Tuesday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
• Wednesday: Closed
• Thursday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
• Friday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
• Saturday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

During the closure, all existing book loans will be extended, and no fines will be incurred. This ensures that customers can still access library resources and services without disruption.

Funding and Project Support

The refurbishment project is fully funded through a combination of Central Government Decarbonisation Funds (PSDS3c) and developer funding (CIL - Community Infrastructure Levy) provided by South Oxfordshire District Council. The work will be delivered by Oxfordshire County Council’s Libraries and Minor Works Teams.

Henley Town Council is committed to improving local facilities for the benefit of the community, and this exciting project will create a modern, sustainable, and accessible library space for generations to come.

For more information about the temporary library services, visit www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/libraries, or contact Henley Town Council.