Cosham library in Portsmouth to shut for repairs until next spring

Cosham Library will shut its doors on Monday and is not expected to reopen until April after roof repairs, redecoration, electrical work and layout improvements have taken place. It is one of only a handful of city council libraries that was open during this lockdown.

During the closure, Portsmouth City Council hopes to bring its mobile library to the area twice a week.

But this will depend on coronavirus restrictions after December 2 when lockdown is due to end.

During the current lockdown, some libraries are open for collecting ordered books and to offer access to public computers to those who can't get online elsewhere.

Branches currently offering these services are Beddow, Central, North End and Southsea.

The council is hoping to reopen these libraries for browsing and loans as soon as safety rules allow. It is also planning to reopen other branches if allowed.

Councillor Steve Pitt, deputy leader of the council, said: ‘We're sorry Cosham Library will be closed for a while, but we need to invest in the future and make sure it can continue to offer a service to local people.

‘We'd like to thank residents in advance for their patience while this work goes on.

‘We're also grateful to library users for bearing with us during the pandemic as we strive to offer a safe service in accordance with the restrictions.’

SEE ALSO: Work begins on leisure centre improvements

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