Fears over future of local history section at Colchester Library

Save Our Libraries Essex (SOLE) has raised concerns about changes planned for the local studies area at Colchester Library, in Trinity Square.

Rumours are rife the section, which contains books, cuttings, historical directories, maps and magazines relating to Colchester and its past, will not be reopening.

Concerns have also been raised there were plans some items could be moved or sold off.

Essex County Council said it had been undertaking an "audit and refresh" of the area which would improve its offering going forward.

A spokesman said: "We are improving access to the local studies stock at Colchester Library, not reducing it or selling items off.

“Over the past few months, the library service has undertaken an audit and refresh of the items held in our local studies area at Colchester Library.

"This is to make it more visible to customers, increase its use, and make it easier to access.

“This work will highlight the wealth of stock we have residents may not be aware of, and includes creating an attractive display and exhibition in the main area of the library enabling items of particular local interest to be prominently displayed rather than hidden away."

The spokesman said duplicate stock in the local studies section at Colchester would be avoided "where it cannot be justified".

He added: "This is in line with the stock policy for local studies within Essex libraries.

"There are no plans to dispose of any important historical records and no items have been or will be sold to Essex Record Office."

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A spokesperson for SOLE said the group needed answers on whether the room itself would be closed to the public.

They added: "We need to know if the room is being closed to the public; if the librarian staff who currently assist people to browse and use the collection are being removed from this specific activity; if resources are being moved from the library to Essex Record Office or elsewhere, or reduced to any extent.

"We do not know if the display is an addition or a replacement for the local studies section, or whether a specific Local Studies staff member will still be available to help locate items if they are scattered across the library and other locations, or whether some items may be put online only and how long the transfer may take.

"If any of these things are planned then it is clear that access to our local history is set to be reduced, not increased.

"Whatever the spin which is being put on it, will Colchester have its dedicated Local Studies room?"