Throston Library reopens in its new home

The move – from its previous premises in Glamorgan Grove – maintains library provision in the Throston area when it would otherwise have been at risk in the longer term.

The library closed at its previous premises in March 2020 in response to the COVID pandemic. With statutory services subsequently delivering provision in the building and with budget pressures, the library had not been able to reopen.

In addition, a survey had indicated that almost a quarter of a million pounds was needed to bring the ageing building up to standard – expenditure which could not be met within the Council’s existing budgets.

As a result the library has relocated to Throston Youth Centre, a move which will also allow a local special needs school to explore the feasibility of using the former library building for sixth form provision for young people with autism, creating a designated space in which to develop their independent living skills and employability.

Throston Youth Centre – which is used on evenings but has up until now not been in active use during the day – has been redecorated and refurbished to accommodate the library, which will be open Mondays 10am to 5.30pm (closed 12.30pm to 1pm) and Wednesdays 10am to 3pm.

Operations Librarian Denise Sparrowhawk puts the finishing touches to one of the book displays in the library

Gemma Ptak, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Assistant Director (Preventative and Community-Based Services), said: “We are delighted to have been able to overcome the challenges and retain the library in the Throston area.

“Not only does this move to larger premises help secure the library for the future, it also opens the door to potential opportunities for enhancing and increasing what the library can provide, so it’s quite an exciting time.

“There will be limited access to the library’s public computers over the immediate coming days while final work is completed to link the library to the People’s Network, so we’d ask people to please bear with us on that.

“We’re also looking forward to shortly announcing the return of some of our children’s and social activities, similar to those offered across the town’s other libraries and Hubs, so please keep an eye out for those.”