Some Petersfield residents have been asking why the refurbishment of the Central Library is taking so long. Council officials say that delays have arisen because of unforeseen structural problems with the building. The project is a year behind schedule, but should be completed in the spring next year.

Earlier this year, Lib Dem County councillors proposed an increase in library budgets to allow for increased and improved book stock, especially for the Central Library. The proposal was rejected by the Council’s Conservative majority. Nichola says: “We are worried about Cambridgeshire’s exceptionally low spending on book stock, compared to other councils. The Central Library refurbishment is an exciting project, but it is essential that the book stock is continually renewed and improved.”

Read on for an explanation for the delays, provided by the Head of Libraries at the County Council. Read the rest of this entry »