Since the end of 2019, the library has been based at Royal Victoria Place in the centre of town, where it was able to offer disabled access, bookable internet and children’s storytime sessions.
Meanwhile, the town museum’s contents were placed in specialist storage, while local history collections were sent out to other libraries, and births and deaths were recorded at the Mansion House.
However, the library will reopen in The Amelia Scott building on Thursday April 28, rejoining the museum, art gallery, Kent Adult Education, tourist information, and registration of births and deaths.
SHELF LIFE: The new shelves were being readied for the library’s stock
Bookworms in need of a fix during the six-and-a-half-week closure will be able to borrow books at other local libraries, with Showfields Library and Southborough Library being the closest.
The library reassured borrowers that nothing borrowed from Tunbridge Wells Library in the run-up to the closure would be due back until The Amelia Scott’s opening.
The Amelia Scott is a more than £20million project of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) in partnership with Kent County Council (KCC), the National Heritage Lottery Fund and Arts Council England.
It is expected to attract nearly 500,000 visits each year and 18,000 learners on the site, and will be a showcase for learning, culture and the arts.
Mike Hill, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services, said: “We have reached an important moment in the life of this project. The next milestone will be the opening of The Amelia itself, which will be a moment to celebrate and a tremendous achievement.
“I thank all our customers for their support and look forward to the opening of The Amelia, which will be an exciting day for Tunbridge Wells and Kent.”
