NAILSEA Library is set to open the doors of its new home next month.

From Wednesday, July 19, the library will operate out of 6-8 Colliers Walk, which was formerly occupied by HSBC bank.

Since staff need time to move books and materials to the new building, the library will close its current location at 23-24 Somerset Square on July 1.

Customer loans will be extended. During the closure, customers will be able to use their library card at any other library, including Clevedon, Portishead and Yatton.

Customers can also access free eBooks and eAudiobooks from home at LibrariesWest.

It is hoped that the new building will meet the council's goal of having modern, accessible libraries, where people can benefit from a wide range of services. Estimated costs to refurbish the existing library and address accessibility issues were estimated at over £1m, whereas the relocation is costing around £500k.

These services include:

  • Offering free access to computers.
  • Hosting community support sessions.
  • Providing  activities for families and people of all ages.
  • Providing access to over 2.5 million items through the LibrariesWest consortium.

The new library will have improved digital facilities, which have been funded by the £27,595 from the Department for Levelling Up's UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Councillor Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council's executive member for neighbourhoods and community services, said: "Nailsea Library is one of our top performing libraries – attracting around 67,000 visits a year – so I have no doubt that the new modern and energy-efficient library building, and the added benefit of an Extended Access facility, will provide a much-improved user experience.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of those involved in delivering this project to benefit the people of Nailsea and the surrounding areas.”

Councillor Mike Bird, North Somerset Council ward member for Nailsea Yeo, added: “The new library will be a great accessible multifunctional space that will allow the whole community to get the most out of the library and help further develop it as a dynamic community hub for the town.”

The existing building on Somerset Square will be sold to Media Developments (Nailsea) Ltd. It is thought that the building needs substantial investment.