FAQs

The current library building on Northumberland Road is owned by Golding Homes and is due to be demolished as part of plans to regenerate the area. The library therefore needs to move and we have been working to find a new, long-term home.

Kent County Council (KCC) is planning to move the library to Shepway Youth and Community Centre on Cumberland Avenue.

KCC considered several possible locations and looked at the suitability of each building, the work required, rental and service charges, risks and overall cost. Shepway Youth and Community Centre offers a secure, long-term location in a building for which KCC already has a long-term lease.

Yes. These included a new retail unit within Golding Homes’ redevelopment. However, this was likely to be smaller than the current library. KCC would also have needed to pay for work to make it suitable, and the ongoing costs were expected to be higher.

The move will bring library and youth services together in one place, help create a community hub and support closer partnership working. It will also make better use of an existing public building and reduce ongoing rent and service charge costs. The change also allows us to look at a new library layout.

Yes. The intention is for all services currently available at Shepway Library to move to the new location. These include:

• a full range of books for adults and children
• space for activities and study
• public computers with internet access
• free Wi-Fi
• free parking.

It is intended that existing groups and activities will continue at the new library. These include Baby Rhyme Time, Lego Club, the Digital Hub, Outreach Tutors and the Book Group.

Yes. Building work will be needed to create the new library space before the move takes place.

The current library is expected to close in December 2026. Once the closure date is confirmed, we will let customers know and provide three weeks’ notice.

The new library is expected to open in March 2027, once the building work is complete. This date is indicative and may change. Residents will be kept updated as plans develop.

During the short period when Shepway Library is closed, you will still be able to:

• visit nearby libraries, including Madginford, Bearsted, the Kent History and Library Centre and Coxheath
• use the eLibrary for e-books, audiobooks, online magazines and newspapers
• use a temporary mobile library stop. More details will be confirmed as soon as possible.

Any library loans due back while the library is closed will be automatically extended. Items will not need to be returned until the new library opens.

You can complete the short survey on the webpage or collect a paper copy from Shepway Library. The survey closes on 23 November 2026.

Yes. Children and young people can complete an activity sheet to tell us their ideas for the new library. They can draw or write their favourite things about the current library, something they would like to see in the new library or both. The activity sheet is available from Shepway Library and on the project webpage.

Yes. Drop-in sessions will be held at the current Shepway Library:

• Tuesday 27 October, 10am to 12pm
• Saturday 14 November, 10am to 12pm
• Thursday 19 November, 3pm to 5pm

If you have accessibility requirements, please contact the team in advance.

Updates will be available at Shepway Library, nearby libraries during the temporary closure, on the project webpage, the Shepway Library service webpage and the Maidstone Libraries Facebook page.