Published on:
10
July 2012
Alloa Library is on the move as part of Clackmannanshire Council's multi-million pound plans to redevelop the Speirs Centre as a new and modern, state-of-the-art library and community facility.
The Drysdale Street premises, which will close on 4th August has been sold to a local dentist practice to meet a critical local need for more NHS dentists.
Alloa Library will close on Saturday 4th August and re-open in the Lesser Speirs Hall on Monday 20th August, with the library service closed to the public for just two weeks during the initial move. The interim library will be moved to the Lesser Speirs Hall and adjacent office until October 2013, when the Speirs Centre refurbishments will be completed.
The Rent Office and Benefits and Council Tax service will close on Thursday 19th July 2012 and re-open in 8 Bank Street on Tuesday 24th July, until re-locating back to the fabulously refurbished Speirs Centre in October 2013.
Convenor of Clackmannanshire Council's Education, Sport and Leisure Committee, Councillor Ellen Forson explained: "The interim library in the Lesser Speirs Hall will hold 60% of current book stock, but we aim to offset this reduction by rotating stock more frequently. The number of public access computers will reduce slightly from 13 to nine, due to space constraints, but I hope the public will understand this is necessary as we move towards what will eventually be a fantastic new library facility for Clackmannanshire.
"A small seating area is being established, recognising a number of regular customers come into the current library simply to read the newspapers and relax in a warm, comfortable environment. Opening hours will be the same as at present.
"Customers will inevitably experience a degree of disruption, although we will endeavour to minimise this through maintaining the high standards of service they have come to expect throughout the transitional period.
"Library staff will date stamp your books so that they will be due for return the week the library re-opens in the Speirs Centre on 20th August. There will be no need to worry about your books being overdue as there will be a fines amnesty for a month after the move to the Speirs Centre. Customers are reminded that they can also return books to any library within Clackmannanshire."
The twice weekly children's Bookbug sessions will recommence in the Bowmar Centre from Monday, 3rd September, as agreed with parents. These popular events for younger children will also return to the Speirs Centre when work is finally completed.