North East Lincolnshire Council have recently opened a consultation on the futures of Grimsby Central Library and Cleethorpes Library, raising serious concern about the future of library services and the future of the library buildings.

We assert that many local artefacts and amenities have been removed elsewhere, without clear parameters, direction or public consultation to meet the demands of developers, etc., and to the detriment of the environs and local community. We believe that the current Grimsby Library building, whose design was assisted by several local artists, should be retained. We understand that a grant was obtained for work on the library, but once the required maintenance work is done, this grant money will have run out.  

We do recognise that in current times the function of modern libraries has changed and needs to embrace current needs and new technologies.  As a minimum, however, we would suggest that the following are provided:  

• Book lending, with an improved children's section
• Local History Section
• Archives section
• Exhibition/gallery space
• Meeting space
• Reception/booking office
• Working public toilets
• Working lift to the upper floors
• Provision for courses for local people
• A music Library, either as a voluntary or commercial activity
• Cultural events, as are held at Cleethorpes Library
•  Replacement of the outside ramp  with something more visually pleasing.

We ask for the library to remain in its current location and for the upper floors to be fully reopened to provide a vibrant and social public space for both residents and visitors.

We also ask that Cleethorpes Library should be kept in its current, purpose built building.  Cleethorpes is a well used library, which as well as book-lending, hosts many exhibitions and events.  We assert that turning this into a co-located service inside Cleethorpes Leisure Centre would be to the detriment of library services.  There is also a lack of sufficient parking spaces at the Leisure as it is, particularly during the summer season, without a library on site.