Council gives update on Grimsby Central Library closure
The library closed in March after a water leak
North East Lincolnshire Council is currently looking at “a number of locations” for a temporary pop-up library in Grimsby.
Grimsby Central Library closed to the public on March 28, after a water leak. It has remained shut since, due to asbestos disturbance concern.
A council spokesperson has told the LDRS it is still awaiting detailed assessments of work needed. The evacuation of materials continues and it will release more information on a temporary top-up library when it can.
A ‘Save Our Libraries’ meeting organised by Grimsby, Cleethorpes and District Civic Society on Saturday, May 19, also saw discussion of an ongoing consultation into the future of local libraries. The council spokesperson has said it runs consultations in line with national local government best practice.
Grimsby library wait continues
North East Lincolnshire Council stated in early April Grimsby Central Library would remain “closed for some time”. A temporary town centre location was also being sought.
During Saturday’s Save Our Libraries meeting, Cllr Steve Holland (Independent Group for North East Lincolnshire – Freshney Ward) claimed the council are currently not meeting its obligations for Grimsby library provision, and “it is vital that this is addressed”.
However, a North East Lincolnshire Council spokesperson told the LDRS: “We are currently still awaiting detailed assessments of the work needed on the Grimsby Library building, including the removal of the asbestos, which means that the building remains closed for safety reasons.
“The process to safely decant the books and other important historical archives is continuing.”
“In the interim, once we are in a position to release more information on the location of a temporary pop-up library we will do so,” said the council spokesperson. “A number of locations are currently being looked at.”
Libraries consultation
The council’s second phase consultation into the future of the libraries and archive service remains live until July 9. Options under consideration are merging Cleethorpes Library into Cleethorpes Leisure Centre, Waltham Library becoming volunteer run, and a permanent move of Grimsby Central Library. According to the Civic Society, at the Save Our Libraries meeting, there was claims of people having distrust in the consultation questionnaire.
Melanie Onn MP (Labour – Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes) stated at the meeting: “Buildings symbolise the place and none more so than the library building.” She drew reference to the former art college on Eleanor Street which remains derelict and said “Don’t let this be a failed project.”
In response, the council spokesperson said: “North East Lincolnshire Council runs all of its consultations in line with national local government best practice to assure transparency and dialogue in informing decision-making and actions.” Individuals can find out more about the consultation and reasons behind it by visiting Have your say | NELC, where there is also a frequently asked questions (FAQs) sheet, the spokesperson signposted.
The FAQs sheet stresses the ongoing closure of Grimsby Central Library “has no bearing on, or relation to, the consultation”.
The council spokesperson continued: “We wish to make it clear that no decisions have been made on the future of the service. That will only take place after a full analysis of the phase two consultation results, and be subject to viable business cases and the council’s decision-making process.”
“We urge all residents to please take part in this second phase of consultation so we can properly progress a vision for our libraries and archive service going forward.”
The consultation is available to complete online here. Two more pop-up sessions will be held to support those struggling to participate online:
Monday June 2, 2-5pm – Bremerhaven Room, Grimsby Town Hall, Town Hall Square.
Wednesday, June 18, 10am-12pm and 6-7pm – Waltham Parish Council Office, Kirkgate Car Park.
“There is one main aim here, and that is to ensure a full, vibrant and growing library and archive service for the people of North East Lincolnshire going forward, one that is future-proofed and that everyone can enjoy,” the North East Lincolnshire Council spokesperson added.