New Nailsea Library celebrates move

3:30pm - 27 September 2023
A photo of the outside of the new Nailsea library.

Nailsea Library is today (Wednesday 27 September) celebrating its new home with an official opening event.

The new library was celebrated by the cutting of a cake, and a range of events and activities for library users. These included a special children’s story time and drop-in taster sessions for free online library resources, including the family history database Find My Past, online language learning package Transparent Language Online, and the film archive from BFI Replay.

The library reopened in its new home at 6-8 Colliers Walk on Wednesday 19 July. This follows North Somerset Council signing a 125-year lease to secure the longterm future of a library in Nailsea.

The move forms part of the council’s strategy to have modern, accessible libraries where people can go to benefit from a variety of services. These include:

  • offering free access to computers, the internet and digital support
  • hosting community support and advice sessions
  • providing activities for families and people of all ages
  • providing access to over 2.5 million items through the LibrariesWest consortium.

The new library includes improved digital facilities funded by the Department for Levelling Up using an award of £27,595 from its UK Shared Prosperity Fund*. Extended Access allows registered users to borrow books, use computers and Wi-Fi outside of staffed library hours.

A photo of a lady in a wheelchair smiling at the camera while cutting into a large chocolate cake.
A photo of Alison cutting the cake to celebrate the opening of the new library in Nailsea. Alison is a former member of library staff and member of the Disabled Access Group (DAG). The DAG have helped test out the new library for accessibility.

Extended Access allows customers to browse, borrow books and use the computers from 8am to 8pm every day of the week. Customers are invited to sign up and attend a short briefing session to find out how it works. Please speak to library staff to book your induction or visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/extendedaccess.

Councillor Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council's executive member for neighbourhoods and community services, said: "The opening of Nailsea Library in its new home is most definitely cause for celebration. I’d like to thank all those involved in delivering this project to benefit the people of Nailsea and the surrounding areas.

“Nailsea Library is one of our top performing libraries – attracting around 67,000 visits a year. It’s great to see the local community using the much-improved modern and energy-efficient library building, and signing up to use the added benefit of Extended Access too.”

Councillor Mike Bird, North Somerset Council ward member for Nailsea Yeo, said: “The new library’s is a great accessible, multifunctional community hub and facility for our town. It will be great to see it develop as a centre for children’s activities and for everyone in our community.”

Keep up with the latest news about Nailsea Library at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/nailsealibrary or on Facebook (facebook.com/nslibraries), Twitter (twitter.com/NSomLibraries) and Instagram (instagram.com/northsomersetlibraries).

Councillor Solomon outside the new Nailsea library at the official opening event.
A photo of Cllr Solomon outside the new Nailsea library at the official opening event.