Lancaster Central Library is set to close to the public for at least eight months while essential building repairs are carried out.
The closure of the Grade-II listed building, built in 1932, was confirmed in a post by the Friends of Lancaster Library, which said the city's main library will welcome visitors for the final time on Tuesday, August 11, before shutting its doors the following day.
According to a closure notice issued by Lancashire County Council, Lancaster Library will be closed from Wednesday, August 12, until spring 2027 to allow "essential building and repair works" to take place, including work on the building's roof.
Friends of Lancaster Library said the works are currently expected to be completed by April 2027, although the project could take longer.
The closure notice states that nearby libraries in Morecambe, Bolton-le-Sands, Halton, Heysham, Carnforth, and Silverdale will remain open throughout the refurbishment period.
To help meet demand during Lancaster's closure, Morecambe Library will introduce extended opening hours, operating from 9am to 7pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Lancashire County Council said Lancaster Central's home library service will continue during the works, while regular activities including Baby Bounce and Rhyme sessions will be relocated to White Cross Business Park on South Road in Lancaster.
Councillor Ella Worthington, cabinet member for Civic Pride, said: "Lancaster Central Library is one of the busiest in Lancashire, with more than 200,000 visitors last year, so it's vital that we protect this historic building and ensure visitors can continue to enjoy it for years to come.
"We understand that the temporary closure might cause some inconvenience, but we would encourage residents to use other local libraries and continue to join in activities they offer.
"We can't wait to welcome people back inside and show off the new and improved Lancaster Central library when this work is complete."
The notice also says a mobile library service will operate from White Cross, with further details expected to be announced.
Library users with borrowed items will not need to return them before the closure.
The council said loan dates would be automatically extended and fines would be waived during the shutdown period.
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Items can be returned to any library in Lancashire.
The closure affects one of Lancaster's best-used public facilities and means residents will need to rely on neighbouring libraries, mobile provision, and online services while the work is carried out.
A notice displayed by Lancashire County Council directs residents to the county's library website for information on alternative locations, opening times, and digital library services.
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