Ashton Library is to temporarily close for around 12 weeks for building works to boost fire protection, Tameside Council has said. 

The facility inside the Tameside One building will close from 3pm on Saturday (6 November). 

During the closure, the staffed opening hours at Droylsden, Dukinfield and Stalybridge libraries will be extended and, from 22 November, a limited service will be available from Level 1 in Tameside One. 

Tameside Libraries Information Service will also be based at Stalybridge Library.

The council says library users will still be able to access a full range of services while the library is closed. They can use any of the other seven libraries throughout Tameside to:

• Borrow, renew and return library items. A book drop-off service will also be provided at Tameside Local Studies and Archives Service on Oldham Road, Ashton.
• Use the printing and photocopy service
• Use computers or free Wi-Fi. Computers and Wi-Fi will also be available at Local Studies Library, booking is recommended

Items borrowed or renewed at Ashton Library in the three weeks preceding the temporary closure will be given an extended loan period until 24 January 2022. Fines will not accrue on any items borrowed from Ashton Library whilst the main library is closed.

A council spokesperson said the closure is to carry out works on the voids between floors in the building to install additional fire detection equipment.

They added: "Absence of fire detection in voids is not against British fire safety standards but the work is required by our insurers to reduce risk and reduce insurance premiums for the building." 

Councillor Leanne Feeley, Tameside Council Executive Member responsible for libraries, said: “We’re looking forward to getting the works out of the way and Ashton Library back open and welcoming customers as soon as possible. In the meantime, we appreciate customers may be inconvenienced so we’re putting measures in place to make it as easier for people to use our other local libraries – as well as our full range of online resources – as an alternative.

"Additionally, loans periods are being extended for the duration of the closure and no one needs to worry about accruing a fine on any items borrowed from Ashton Library while it is closed." 

Limited Library Service at Level One, Tameside One opening times from 22 November:

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 9-5pm

Thursday 9-4.30pm

Friday 9-4pm

Extended Opening times at alternative libraries with effect from 8 November:

Droylsden Library

Monday 9am-5pm

Tuesday 9am-5pm

Thursday 9am-8pm

Friday 9am-5pm

Saturday 10am-3pm

Dukinfield Library

Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 9am-5pm

Saturday 9am-1pm

Stalybridge Library

Monday 9am-5pm

Tuesday 9am-8pm

Wednesday 9am-5pm

Friday 9am-5pm

Saturday 10am-3pm

To find out more, or for full opening hours at all Tameside Libraries, visit www.tameside.gov.uk/libraries or ring 0161 342 2031/ 202.

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