The move will create a modern community hub, bringing together library, youth and community services under one roof while ensuring residents continue to have access to the books, digital resources, learning opportunities, events and activities available at the current library.
The current library building is due to be demolished as part of wider regeneration plans for the area. Relocating the service to Shepway Youth and Community Centre will provide a long-term home for the library and create opportunities for closer collaboration between services that support local people.
Feedback will help shape the design, facilities and activities offered within the future space.
A six-week public engagement begins on Tuesday 13 October and will give residents, library users, community groups and young people the opportunity to share their views on what they would like from the new library. Feedback will help shape the design, facilities and activities offered within the future space.
The current library building on Northumberland Road is expected to close in December 2026 as part of wider regeneration plans for the area. The new library at Shepway Youth and Community Centre is expected to open in March 2027, once building work is complete, although these timescales remain indicative and residents will be kept updated as the project progresses.
Kent County Council is working to ensure residents can continue to access library services during this period and is exploring a range of options to support library users while the new facility is being completed.
“As we look to the future, we want residents to help shape the next chapter for Shepway Library.”
Richard Palmer, Cabinet Member for Communities and Regulatory Services, said: "Shepway Library is an important part of the local community, providing access to books, information, digital services and activities for people of all ages."
‘As we look to the future, we want residents to help shape the next chapter for Shepway Library. That's why we're inviting library users, local groups and the wider community to share their views and ideas on what they'd like to see in the new library and how it can best support local people."
Residents can take part in the engagement online at www.kent.gov.uk/shepwaylibrarymove or by completing a paper survey available at Shepway Library. Children and young people can also share their views through a dedicated activity sheet available at Shepway Library and on the webpage.
The engagement will run until Monday 23 November, with a number of drop-in sessions taking place throughout the engagement period for anyone wishing to find out more about the plans and speak to the project team.
Additional information
Drop in events
Drop-in sessions will be taking place at the current Shepway Library where residents can come and talk to staff and ask any questions.
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| Tuesday 27 October | 10am to 12pm |
| Saturday 14 November | 10am to 12pm |
| Thursday 19 November | 3pm to 5pm |
Library service arrangements during the transition period
The current Shepway Library building on Northumberland Road is expected to close in December 2026.
The new library at Shepway Youth and Community Centre is expected to open in March 2027, once building work is complete. These dates are indicative and residents will be kept updated as the project progresses.
Residents will continue to be able to access library services during this period through:
- Nearby libraries including Madginford, Bearsted, Kent History and Library Centre, and Coxheath.
- A temporary mobile library stop, which is currently being explored. Further details will be confirmed as soon as possible.
- Kent Libraries' eLibrary service, which provides access to e-books, audiobooks, online magazines and newspapers.
- Extended loans for items borrowed from Shepway Library. Any items taken out before the closure will have their return dates extended, so nothing will be due back during the closure period.
