News from Cambridgeshire County Council:

‘Work is due to commence on a new lift at Ely Library from Saturday 8 September until Wednesday 17 October. This work is essential to improve fire safety provision and provide accessibility for all. We are committed to minimising the disruption to our customers as much as possible, the latest information is as follows:

The Library will remain open, apart from the following days, 8, 10, 11 , 17 ,18 , 24  and 25 September and 1 ,2 ,8 , 9 , 13, 15 and 16 October. There will be a mobile library parked on Ely Market on Saturday 8 September and Saturday 13 October.

The lift will be unavailable during the duration of the works, however the ‘Library at Home’ service is offering temporary home visits to customers unable to access via the stairs and will deliver books to customers’ homes. There are posters and a contact number already displayed in the library to alert customers.

The out of hours book drop on the ground floor will remain open all day while the work is carried out and a telephone number will be displayed on the ground floor that is a direct line through to the library desk on the first floor. Customers who cannot access the library and who require assisted digital help with forms such as blue badge and bus pass applications, can arrange an appointment with library staff who will assist them at Ely Job Centre.

Staff are also working with the East Cambridgeshire access group to ensure they are aware of the special arrangements that are in place throughout this period.  The service are also working closely with our room hirers and partners to discuss access during closed periods to minimise any inconvenience.’

[Many thanks to Julie Elsey for the photograph of the diary with the library closure dates]