Shepway Library

Shepway Library needs to move because its current building on Northumberland Road is due to be demolished as part of Golding Homes’ plans to regenerate the area.

We are planning to move the library to Shepway Youth and Community Centre on Cumberland Avenue.

We want local people to help shape the new library by telling us what they value about the current service and what they would like to see in the new space.

Why we have chosen Shepway Youth and Community Centre

We considered a range of possible locations, including a new retail unit within the Golding Homes development. We assessed each option against:

• the needs of the library service
• the work required to make the building suitable
• rental and service charges
• the level of risk and cost.

Moving the library to Shepway Youth and Community Centre will bring services together and help create a community hub for Shepway. It will support closer partnership working and make better use of an existing public building.

As we hold a long lease on the youth centre site, the move will also give the library a secure, long-term home and reduce ongoing rent and service charge costs.

The new library

The new library will offer the same level of service as the current library, including:

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

We plan to continue existing groups and activities, including:

• Baby Rhyme Time
• Lego Club
• Digital Hub
• Outreach Tutors
• Book Group.

Timeline

The current Shepway Library is expected to close in December 2026.

The new library at Shepway Youth and Community Centre is expected to open in March 2027, once the building work is complete. These dates are indicative and may change. We will keep residents updated as the plans and timeline develop.

We are working to keep the period between the current library closing and the new one opening as short as possible.

Using library services during the move

While the Shepway Library building is closed, you will still be able to use library services.

Nearby libraries

You can visit:

• Madginford Library
• Bearsted Library
• Kent History and Library Centre
• Coxheath Library.

Check the relevant library webpage before travelling for opening hours.

Temporary mobile library stop

We are looking at options for a temporary mobile library stop. We will provide more information when the arrangements have been confirmed.

eLibrary

You can continue to borrow e-books, audiobooks, online magazines and newspapers through our website.

Any library loans due back while the library is closed will automatically be extended until the new library opens.

Help shape the new library

We want to hear your views and ideas about the new library.

Please tell us:

• what you like most about the current library
• what you would like to see in the new space, including any ideas for events, activities or services
• what local images, landmarks, history or community features would you like to see reflected in the new Shepway Library.

Complete our short online survey or pick up a paper copy from Shepway Library.

Children and young people can also take part by completing an activity sheet, available from this webpage and Shepway Library.

Please complete and return the survey or activity sheet by 23 November 2026.

Drop-in events

Come to one of our drop-in sessions at the current Shepway Library to talk to us or ask questions:

If you have any accessibility requirements, please contact us in advance using the contact details in the 'Who's listening' section of this webpage.

Keep up to date

We will keep you updated as plans develop and timescales are confirmed. You can find the latest Information:

• at Shepway Library
• on this webpage - you can subscribe for updates via the Keep Informed section on this page
• on the Shepway Library service webpage
• on the Maidstone Libraries Facebook page.

During the period when the Shepway Library building is closed, updates will also be available at nearby libraries.