Grimsby Central Library will remain closed 'for some time' following water leak
The closure is due to assessments and necessary asbestos removal after a water leak
Last updated 9th Apr 2025
North East Lincolnshire Council has issued an update on Grimsby Central Library’s emergency closure after a water leak.
The council has said it will remain “closed for some time”, and a senior councillor has apologised for the inconvenience to library users. This is due to assessments and necessary asbestos removal after the water leak. The building, in Town Hall Square, is 58 years old.
A temporary location for the library in the town centre is being sought. Considerations for this include space, location and the IT infrastructure that is needed. “Further details will be released as soon as possible,” the council has stated.
The council’s statement says the library had to close after the water leak due to asbestos disturbance risk. “As was common at the time of its construction and opening 58 years ago, the building and materials within it contain asbestos.
“Further work is now needed with assessments and necessary asbestos removal and the building will remain closed for some time as this is carried out. The safe removal of the local history archives and books will take place to protect them during the work.”
North East Lincolnshire Council’s portfolio holder for culture, heritage and the visitor economy, Cllr Hayden Dawkins (Conservative – Humberston and New Waltham), said: “Like almost all buildings of this age, asbestos is an issue and until this is dealt with properly, we cannot move forward with any plans for this building.
“The recent water leak and subsequent damage has accelerated essential asbestos removal works that would have always been needed. We will ensure we move as swiftly as we possibly can, and in the meantime, we do apologise for the inconvenience for library users,” he added.
In the meantime, unreturned library books can go to libraries in Cleethorpes, Waltham, or Immingham – or to the reception at the Municipal offices, which is open Monday to Friday 8.45am until 4pm (excluding bank holidays).
An alternative site for the Credit Union is also being looked for. In the meantime, people are advised for appointments to contact 01482 778753.
Lincs Inspire and North East Lincolnshire Council have confirmed that one-to-one appointments are going ahead at Cleethorpes Library – to book contact 01472 323650. There is also an option for people to be helped over the phone. Scanning facilities are available at Cleethorpes as well as at the libraries in Waltham and Immingham.
Below are the opening hours for the other libraries in North East Lincolnshire:
- Cleethorpes Library on Alexandra Road, open 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Thursday, and 9am to 1pm Saturday
- Immingham Library at the Civic Centre on Pelham Road, open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 1pm Saturday
- Waltham Library on the High Street, open 8.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 5.30pm Tuesday to Friday, and 9am to 1pm Saturday.
An online library service is also available via www.lincsinspire.com.
The council is in between consultations on the future of the borough’s libraries and archive services. The second consultation, due in early 2025, will put forward options for future provision.
One idea suggested has been the merger of Cleethorpes Library into Cleethorpes Leisure Centre. Councillors on the council’s economy, culture and tourism scrutiny panel recommended against this move in December.
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