A REFURBISHMENT project at Weymouth Library is due to get underway this month.

It will bring together a range of services and teams into one shared building, as a ‘library information and learning centre’.

The library building in Great George Street in the town centre will be adapted to offer space for:

  • The town’s library
  • Skills & Learning – the local Adult Learning provider which offers a variety of high quality courses and learning opportunities to the local community and training opportunities to local employers
  • Community Resource Team (mental health) – part of Weymouth & Portland Community Mental Health Team, which facilitates attendance at a range of social, vocational and educational activities to aid recovery
  • Citizens Advice – providing free, confidential and independent advice to help people overcome their problems

Dorset County Council has been working with representatives from these organisations to bring together the new offer. Together, they have designed how the library building can be reorganised to make the space work for everyone.

Cllr Andrew Parry, Dorset County Council Cabinet member for education, learning and skills said:

“There are huge benefits to be gained from this £550,000 project, including improved links between organisations and

services.

“It will provide easier access to services as they are based in one building, at a central location with good public transport links.

“ The refurbished library space will provide a wider range of uses, as well as refurbished public toilets and two additional accessible toilets.

“The building works will not result in fewer books or public access computers.”

So that the library team limit disruption to the library service, the building works will take place in phases, starting in mid-February and finishing in July.

The library will remain open for most of this period but may close towards the end of the works while new shelving is fitted.