We demand that NELC recognise the importance of the Grimsby Central Library building and take steps to reinstate the building as a public library as soon as possible. 

Though not widely recognised by the Council who have allowed it to go through years of steady, uncontrolled deterioration,  the library building is a perfect example of the brutalist architecture style of the 1960s/70s and must be preserved for future generations.    In his book, Modern Buildings in Britain (a book that has been described as the most lucid and concise history of modern design anywhere) author, Owen Hatherley asks: "Why does nobody ever talk about Grimsby Library?  Its a fabulous little building".  He then goes on to describe it as "a pristine example of civic design of the highest order" and asks why it has never been listed.   This is a good question as when newly built it was seen as a cutting edge design and used as a template for several other libraries across the UK, some of which are now listed. 

There have been claims that a building of this size is no longer needed for the library, with a reduction in footfall being cited as evidence.  This claim is hardly relevant given that for a number of years much of the library building has been closed to the public.  The reference library is closed, the café is closed, the meeting and exhibition spaces are closed, the lift has not worked for over 20 years, the book lending is in need of updating and there is no proper online learning centre.  Not to mention that the 
short opening hours make it pretty inaccessible to many.  

We believe that with a little investment both the library building and library services could be updated for modern times, becoming an important community hub with something for all ages and the library services it was built for its core and become an integral part of the proposed, regenerated town centre.  

We therefore ask NELC to scrap any plans to move library services into Freshney Place and to fully reinstate the current building.