Relocation of Throston Library Service

Update: read the update on the project and how we used what you told us in the consultation at the bottom of the page.

Hartlepool Borough Council recognises the importance of libraries as a community resource and is committed to maintaining a high quality library offer. However, we also recognise the need to transform the library service in a way that will meet the changing needs of the residents of Hartlepool. Life is very different now compared to when the library infrastructure was developed. For example, many people are choosing to access the service in ways that are more convenient to them, such as online services and click and collect and people are accessing library services for activities. There is no doubt that the pandemic has impacted on how people are accessing services but even without that, in a similar way to other places across the UK, Throston Library has seen a steady fall in book borrowing in recent years.

We have been facing a dilemma with the library building at Throston as we are committed to keeping a library provision in that area of the town whilst acknowledging that the building needs a considerable amount of work to bring it up to a decent standard. A recent estimate for that work far exceeds any budget that we have.

We have been approached by a local special needs school who are exploring the development of a sixth form provision specialising in meeting the needs of young people with autism. They are interested in the current library building and the location as it would provide an exciting opportunity for young people to have their own designated space in a provision which will encourage the development of independent living skills, employability skills and training, and building links with the local community.

To allow the school to proceed with a feasibility study to take over the building we are proposing to relocate the library to Throston Youth Centre, Wiltshire Way, TS26 0TB. This map shows the current library location and that of Throston Youth Centre (marked as Throston Youth Project).

The relocation of the library will provide the following opportunities:

• Access to a ‘like for like’ service with adults and children’s book stock, People’s Network computers, staff and toilet facilities.
• Access to a range of activities including read and rhyme sessions, crafting and reading groups.
• Access to a range of information, advice and guidance.

The proposed move of the library to the youth centre is a great opportunity to redesign the library space, review our stock to ensure it meets the needs of the local community and review what people use and want from our service. This proposal would also ensure that the existing building is utilised without the risk of it being left empty, with associated risks of vandalism.

We want to hear what you would like to see in the new space and in addition to two drop-in events at the Youth Centre on Wiltshire Way we would welcome your thoughts and ideas here. This page is open for contributions until Sunday 19th September 2021.