Farnham Library shuts for three-week refurbishment in September

Farnham Library will close for three weeks in September as part of a major refurbishment programme, Surrey County Council has announced.

The library will shut from Monday, September 14, reopening on Saturday, October 3, with work timed to keep disruption “to the absolute minimum”.

The overhaul will modernise the ground floor and back-of-house areas while retaining the building’s current footprint. Plans include redecorated interiors, new furniture and shelving, and expanded study spaces with built-in plug sockets for laptops and devices.

A new children’s library will be created alongside a dedicated space for teenagers to relax and study.

A meeting pod will allow the library to continue hosting banking services and community meetings, while registration services will move into refurbished, modernised rooms.

Among the highlights is a new ceremonies room in the Culver Room, designed to showcase its historic character and create what the council called a “timeless and memorable setting” for weddings. Accessibility has also been prioritised, with a refreshed accessible toilet featuring baby change facilities.

During the closure, customers are being directed to nearby libraries in Ash and Godalming.

Ash Library will extend its opening hours throughout the period, opening until 7pm on Tuesdays and staying open on Saturdays until 5pm, alongside its usual weekday hours.

All loans will automatically be extended until Monday, October 12, and no fines will be charged during the closure. However, the Super Access self-service scheme will not be available at Farnham during this time.

A temporary book swap will also be set up at the nearby Adult Learning Centre, giving residents free access to books while the library is shut.

A council spokesperson said they were looking forward to welcoming customers back into the refreshed space once work is complete.