Wantage Library is due to close for a major refurbishment from 4.30pm on Saturday 2 January 2027, and is expected to reopen in late spring, according to Oxfordshire County Council’s announcement.
The council says the work will meet the needs of Wantage’s growing population. The library will have a redesigned children’s area, new books, and dedicated spaces to work and study. Moveable shelving will make room for larger events. New windows and doors will improve insulation, cut costs and reduce carbon emissions.
This follows the installation of a new heating system and solar panels earlier this year, which reduce the building’s reliance on electricity from the grid. The council says central government decarbonisation funding supports the building work, while contributions from local developers are paying for the library improvements. The library turns 35 in 2027.
Councillor Neil Fawcett, Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said the refurbishment will create “a more welcoming and flexible space”.
During the closure
A pop-up library will run in the library annex, a space formerly used by Thames Valley Police. It will offer books, computers, printing and bus pass validation.
More details are in the full release on the Oxfordshire County Council news site.
