THE doors to Hereford's library and museum will close next month for its redevelopment.

Herefordshire Council has announced that the Broad Street venue is set to temporarily close from Saturday, July 15. 

Visitors will start to notice a few changes over the coming weeks as preparations are made for library and museum services to move out. The move, the council says, will allow a complete refurbishment of the building to take place.

It’s set to re-open in 2025 as a totally transformed modern museum and art gallery.

At the same time, work will continue to create a new library and learning resource centre in the city - but it is now uncertain where. 

The proposal was to move it to Maylord Orchards shopping centre, which the council now own. But, Cabinet yesterday (Thursday) voted to pause the project so that it can review the relocation. 

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In the meantime, Hereford library will move to Friars Street from Tuesday, July 18. 

Its opening times will be 9.30am to 5pm Tuesday to Friday, and 9.30am to 4pm on Saturdays. Library users will be able to borrow books and other items from there in the same way as now.

On the ground floor will be a welcome desk, printing and copying, self-service kiosks, quick-pick stock (popular titles), reservations and click and collect.

There’s also a lift and stairs to the first floor, where customers will find around 3,000 books, including children’s, while public network PCs, public wi-fi and space to sit and work will be made available..

The Museum and Art Gallery will reopen in the summer 2025, following a complete refurbishment. The council says it will provide a modern museum and art gallery space, rooftop viewing balcony, activity rooms and café.

Meanwhile, the Black and White House Museum remains open. People van visit Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm, and from midday to 3pm on Sundays.