Sherborne Library on track to reopen this summer following essential safety works

Sherborne Library is on track to reopen by the end of July, with important safety upgrades completed and final approvals now in progress.

All work that could be carried out ahead of formal approval was completed on 13 May. The project now needs final approval from Building Control and Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service before contractors return to site. Once this is in place, up to eight weeks of remaining work will follow.

The council recognises the disruption caused and wants to reassure residents that the library remains an active service, with access continuing in different ways while the building is closed.

Delays to the project were caused by issues not known at the start of the work. This included the discovery of significant asbestos and safety concerns with parts of the roof and structure. These needed further investigation and changes to the plans to make sure the building meets all safety requirements.

These issues have now been addressed. Work so far has included asbestos removal, structural checks and a full set of improved fire safety measures. This includes better fire alarms, safer electrics, new fire doors and upgraded emergency lighting.

The final step is approval of these changes so that work can restart and the library can reopen.

When it reopens, residents will have more flexible access, with longer hours and easy self-service for WiFi, borrowing and printing.

Cllr Ben Wilson, Dorset Council's Cabinet Member for Transformation, Customer and Workforce, said:

“We know how important Sherborne Library is to the local community and we understand the frustration caused by delays. These works are essential to make sure the building is safe and ready for the future. We are now in the final stages and focused on reopening as soon as possible. In the meantime, the library service is still available, and we encourage residents to continue using the support on offer.”

During the closure, residents can still access library services through:

• online services available 24/7, including e-books, audiobooks and digital resources
• nearby Dorset Council libraries and LibrariesWest locations
• temporary local arrangements where available.

Updates will continue to be shared as the project moves towards reopening.