New hope for Folkestone Library

Published: 4 January 2024

An image of Grace Hill Folkestone Library

A “practical proposal” is being worked on to try and bring back into use Folkestone’s Grace Hill Library.

It was closed in December 2022 after water damaged the building. Since then campaigners have been urging Kent County Council to fund the necessary repairs so that the library can re-open.

Today Folkestone & Hythe District Council has confirmed that it is working on a possible solution and hopes to announce further details soon.

Cllr Mike Blakemore, Folkestone & Hythe District Council’s Cabinet Member for Community and Collaboration, said: “As the first anniversary of the closure of Grace Hill Library was reached, the council began working with community partners to develop a practical proposal to reopen the library service in the building and to create new opportunities for the community to use this landmark location.

 “Kent County Council has made a firm public commitment to working with the community to try and find a way forward to reopen the building and initial discussions have been held with them about this proposal. It is hoped that a solution can be brought forward soon.”