RESIDENTS are being asked to provide feedback on a proposal to move Stroud Library from its existing location to the Five Valleys Shopping Centre.

The library is currently situated on the first floor of two older connecting buildings in Lansdown, offering limited lift access from street level.

The proposal would see it move to a newly refurbished area on the lower ground floor of the shopping centre in King Street, next to a new GP surgery, with a street level shop front entrance.

It would be located in the former Store21 unit.

No decisions have been taken yet on what will happen to the old library building, if a move is agreed, but if there is support for the relocation of the library, Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) would initially review alternative council service needs for the building, in consultation with the existing tenant. 

If no viable alternative use was found within GCC or its strategic partners they would then consider putting the property on the market for a letting or sale.

The council says the library's relocation would provide a more versatile and larger accessible space, designed to meet the needs of the people who use it. 

Gloucestershire County Council says the library's relocation would provide a more versatile and larger accessible space, designed to meet the needs of the people who use it.

A high street presence could enable more people to use the many services offered by the library and lead to increased opening hours.

A survey will be running for eight weeks, from Monday, February 28 to Monday, April 25 , to find out residents' views on the proposed relocation.

The survey can be accessed via: https://haveyoursaygloucestershire.uk.engagementhq.com/stroud-library-relocation-proposal

Four public engagement events will be held at Stroud Library and the Five Valleys Shopping Centre, where staff will be on hand to answer any questions and hard copies of the survey will be available to fill in or take away:

• Stroud Library - Friday 4 March 4.30pm-6.30pm and Thursday 7 April 10am–12noon

• Five Valleys Shopping Centre - Wednesday 9 March 12noon–2pm and Saturday 19 March 10am–12noon

Two focus groups will also be held with partners, supporters and customers so an informed decision can be made based on the opinions expressed at the end of the consultation.

Cllr Dave Norman, Gloucestershire County Council cabinet member for libraries, said: “The existing location of Stroud Library is no longer fit for purpose as it doesn’t provide adequate disabled access, so it’s important we look at providing a more accessible facility.

“The proposed new location would be in the heart of the town centre, giving more people the opportunity to visit the library and the larger space would enable us to further develop the services we provide.

"We really want to hear what you think of these plans, so please let us know by attending one of the public engagement events or taking part in the survey.”