Gillingham Library will be offering a limited service from Monday 23 June to Friday 27 June and will then be closed from Monday 14 July to Friday 18 July before reopening on Saturday 19 July.

The closure will allow essential building work to be carried out, to prepare for the installation of new technology which will allow library members to use library facilities beyond staffed opening hours.

From Monday 23 June to Friday 27 June, the foyer will be open to customers who will be able to return items, collect reservations, and order or renew books.

During the closure, customers can borrow up to 20 books, and loan periods will be extended to ensure no returns are due while the library is closed.

Customers are also encouraged to visit nearby libraries at Sturminster Newton and Shaftesbury where they can borrow and return books as well as use the facilities. Customers can also access our 24/7 online library offer for e-books, e-magazines and e-newspapers, to view their account and find information about our other services and library opening times Libraries – Dorset Council. 

The investment in Gillingham Library has been funded by Arts Council England and is part of a broader project to launch ‘Extended Access’ at four Dorset library sites: Verwood, Sturminster Newton, Gillingham and Sherborne.

Councillor Ryan Hope, Portfolio Holder for Customer, Culture and Community Engagement at Dorset Council, said: ’We’re really pleased to be able to improve the facilities for our customers at Gillingham Library thanks to funding from Arts Council England.

‘We know the residents will benefit significantly from the investment and expansion of opening times once the work has been completed.’