Folkestone Library protest July 2023 Photo: Ray Duff
Get ready, bookworms! Folkestone Library could be staying open after exciting temporary and long-term plans have been laid out to ensure the library’s future is bright with a happy ending. Kent County Council (KCC) has reaffirmed its dedication to maintaining a robust library presence in Folkestone’s town centre, addressing both immediate and future needs. The council acknowledged the importance of the library and its services to local residents, stating that it is working diligently to ensure these services are fully restored.
Due to the time required to plan and implement permanent solutions, KCC announced its intent to improve the current temporary library and reintroduce a complete range of services at a new town centre location. The council stated that this work is already in progress and that more details will be released shortly. Simultaneously, KCC is exploring several options for the library’s long-term future. Among these is inviting proposals from community groups and other organizations regarding the building at 2 Grace Hill. This option includes the possibility of KCC leasing back space to provide library services. The council is also continuing to investigate other potential town centre locations. KCC is considering all possibilities to ensure that Folkestone has an easily accessible library that can meet local needs for many years. The deadline for all proposals is October 31, 2025, after which a decision will be made.
Paul Webb, Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services, said:
“People in Folkestone deserve access to the full range of library services, and I’m delighted to say that’s exactly what we’re working to deliver as quickly possible. We’re continuing to look at options for a long-term home for the library – whether that’s moving back into 2 Grace Hill or moving into another building in the town centre. What matters is getting it right for the community and delivering value for money. We have had a significant amount of interest in the 2 Grace Hill building from the local community, including a number of expressions of interest indicating a desire to develop proposals to keep the library within the building. I would encourage all community groups to take the opportunity to engage with the Council and our appointed agents and develop and submit a proposal before 31 October 2025 so that all options can be put on the table for consideration.”
Updates on the move and future plans will be shared via the Folkestone Library webpage, social media channels, and local media. Residents who took part in the public consultation and signed up for updates will also receive direct communications. For more information, visit: www.kent.gov.uk/folkestonelibrary