Members of the public are being invited to help Bath and North East Somerset Council write the next chapter for the city’s new library by giving their views. The move, which will also see Midsomer Norton library relocating to the Hollies, is part of a redesign of local library services in a bid to save £800,000 a year.

Basing its model on the joint One Stop Shop in Keynsham, which the Council says is proving a success, the plan is to move Bath Library to a new, modern, refurbished location opposite the new Bath University innovation and study centre on Manvers Street – close to the rail and bus station, and Southgate shopping centre.

Residents can share their feedback with the Council on what services they would most like to see and help shape how the new Library will look. The Council has prepared some example floor layouts and artist’s impressions, which can be seen here or readers can view the example designs and also give their feedback by visiting: www.bathnes.gov.uk/modernlibrary

Cllr Martin Veal (Conservative, Bathavon North), Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “Bath Library is being modernised to ensure residents can continue to access a library service – one that is both sustainable for the future and fits with the way in which people are now using libraries.

“Overall, the public space will be equivalent to the library area in the Podium, but use of the space will be maximised to meet the needs of both current and future library users. Therefore we’re keen to hear from everyone about what they would like to see in the new, modern library.

“The new location is owned by the Council, rather than leased like the Podium, ensuring Bath Library has a permanent home and a thriving future that is fit for the 21st century. By co-locating our libraries with other community services, we will not only provide a modern library service to residents, but it will also help the Council towards achieving the large savings it has to make in the coming years.

“Whilst some councils are having to close libraries, we are seeking innovative solutions to keep all our libraries open and ensure they are sustainable for the future.”

All existing services will still be available in the new library:

· There will continue to be quiet and study areas

· Books will still be on shelves to browse and the Council says it will ensure popular titles are readily available

· There will be more modern technology, better PCs, high speed WiFi

· All three million books will still be available to order online and collect

· The library will continue to host events and flexible meeting spaces as well as small exhibitions - accommodated across the three floors where appropriate

· Experienced staff will still be on hand to assist users.

The Council maintains that a more modern location will also allow for better and more dedicated facilities for children.

Parking and disabled parking is available is available either directly opposite, immediately behind the new library or under cover at Southgate. Lewis House is easily accessible by public transport from the nearby bus and train stations. All three floors of the new library will have lift access.

Local history reference is transferring to the Guildhall archives to enable specialist support in one location for anyone undertaking in-depth research.

The Council is also developing plans to work with local communities to keep all other libraries open and make them sustainable for the future, with further details of these plans to be published in the months ahead as they are finalised.

Bath and North East Somerset Council needs to save £49 million over four years. Modernising the library service will contribute £800,000 a year towards these savings by co-locating the libraries with other public services and freeing-up current premises, such as the Podium, which can then generate an income for the Council through leasing opportunities.

This decision has not been received well by some, with the Guildhall witnessing scenes of another protest last week. Those against the move are concerned that there will be a lack of books for visitors to physically pick up and read in the modernisation plans - and have argued that not everyone is computer literate enough to order the books that they want.

Midsomer Norton still waits to hear what the plans will involve in moving in to the Hollies, and questions have been raised as to whether or not the building will be easily filled once the move has taken place.