Oundle Library remains closed but will re-open

15 August 2024

We would like to assure customers of Oundle Library that although it remains closed since last month’s fire the library will re-open as soon as works are completed.

Although confined to a small area of the library, the fire was quickly contained and extinguished by the fire service, the damage caused has meant that the remedial work needed is more extensive than first anticipated.

Staff have been busy behind the scenes safely moving books to one area of the library to enable the works to be carried out and to avoid any further loss to the library contents.

This has unfortunately meant that the ‘pick and pack’ service (similar to that offered during the COVID-19 pandemic) the library staff had hoped to provide while repairs are being carried out, cannot happen, as it would be impossible for them to safely pick and pack any requested titles.

Many residents will be aware there are contractors on site, and we are pleased to say that progress has been made with the electrics and the fire system, including rewiring and replacing the main library lights.

However, the area containing the source of the fire is currently covered and work has not been able to start there yet. Staff will not be able to be present in the library, for safety reasons, while that work is done.

Once remedial work is complete the whole library will need to be deep cleaned before re-opening is possible.

This fire is something that could not have been foreseen and is as upsetting for those employed at the library as it is for local residents.

Both myself and the staff would again like to pass on our continued thanks to those in the community who have been so understanding and supportive during this very difficult period. We hope that it won’t be too long before we all see our regular customers again, something which I know everyone is very much looking forward to.

In the meantime, library staff are working hard to enable the contractors to do the necessary work, as well as provide alternative provision for those important activities that were already planned, and help to entertain our young residents during the Summer break.

Bookings are open for the next free Summer Reading Challenge activities. Do go along if you can and show your support.Councillor Helen Howell, Deputy Leader for North Northamptonshire Council and Executive Member for Sport, Leisure, Culture and Tourism

To book your place, send a message on Facebook, email us at [email protected] or call 0300 126 3000 option 5 then option 3.

Oundle Olympics will be taking place Oundle School Sports Centre on Monday 19 August from 10:30am to 11:30am. This activity is suitable for ages 5-12.

Drama Games with Just Karen will take place on Thursday 22 August from 10am to 11am. It is suitable for ages 5-12. This activity has been kindly funded by The Friends of Oundle Library and will take place in the Library garden.

There are no plans to close Oundle Library. Work is currently ongoing and unfortunately, due to the extent of this, we are unable to confirm a time frame for re-opening.

However, I would like to allay fears, and quash rumours, by again re-assuring the local community and strongly reinforcing the message that there are no plans to close the library permanently.

I appreciate the closure is frustrating, however the safety of both staff and library users remains our primary focus and we will only re-open Oundle Library when we are assured that is the case.Jason Smithers, Leader of North Northamptonshire Council