Folkestone’s library service should remain in the town’s Grace Hill building, say Folkestone & Hythe District Council.
The local authority has submitted its response to the public consultation on Kent County Council’s (KCC) proposal to leave Grace Hill and find an alternative town centre location for the library.
The eight-week consultation ends on Wednesday (11 September 2024) and had asked those responding to answer specific questions and suggest other options and ideas that KCC could consider.
F&HDC’s response’s states: “Our first preference is that Kent County Council makes repairs to the Grace Hill building, re-opens Folkestone Library and co-locates with other services.
“If that cannot happen, our second preference is KCC sells Grace Hill and then leases back part of the building for the library and registration service.
“If KCC decides against these options, then our preference is the library service be retained in Folkestone town centre. However, this option should not be considered without full public disclosure of both the outcome of this consultation together with the basis for the final decision made.
“It is only at that point that this council would be able to consider progressing a decision about using Folca for the library and registration services.”
The Grace Hill building closed in December 2022 after it became unsafe for library staff and those using the services.