Blackhall Library - Library locations and opening hours
Name
Blackhall Library
News
Blackhall Library - temporary closure
Blackhall Library is currently closed due to the discovery of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC). The detailed assessment of RAAC in this building concluded that, due to the poor condition of many panels, the level of mitigation required was not conducive to maintaining service delivery at this location.
Longer term replacement plans
The options to replace the RAAC in the longer term are complex due to the extent of work required, the potential costs and the wider condition of the building. An options appraisal has developed initial proposals for permanent solutions as follows
• replacing all the RAAC
• replacement of all the RAAC and retrofit of the building to reduce energy use
• a new library on the existing site
• a new library on the Davidson’s Mains Primary School site.
Because there is the opportunity for the replacement library to be in a different location, it is proposed that detailed community engagement to discuss and consider these options is progressed over the next six months. Following this period of engagement, it will take a considerable amount of time to procure and implement the preferred option and therefore, in the meantime, it is proposed that a temporary library is provided as a stand-alone facility.
Blackhall Library temporary replacement – information updated 19 November 2024
Following consideration of possible locations for the temporary facility it was determined that the most suitable would be the area to the front of Davidson’s Mains Primary School where temporary units for the school have previously been located.
City of Edinburgh Council officers have met recently with representatives of the Friends of Blackhall Library and the Davidson’s Mains Primary School Parent Council to discuss the progression of both the temporary and permanent replacement library projects. To ensure the design and implementation of the temporary unit is progressed in partnership with the school and local community we are establishing a Working Group, which will include membership from the school management and Parent Council.
Estimated project timescales
November 2024
• Establish a Working Group involving Parent Council, School Management Team, City of Edinburgh Council Strategic Asset Planning and City of Edinburgh Council Libraries.
• Arrange first meeting of the Working Group.
• Share initial proposal for temporary library including benefits to the school of having the library resources (staff and building) available for school use.
December 2024
• Use Working Group to approve design of access and security arrangements for the temporary library facility.
• Consider and agree other mitigation measures required for the school.
• Consider and agree wider traffic related measures which require to be implemented.
January 2025
• Subject to Working Group agreeing final proposals submit planning application for the temporary library.
• Begin community engagement on the long-term options for a replacement Blackhall Library.
March 2025
• Complete community engagement on long term options for a replacement Blackhall Library.
May 2025
• Business Case for preferred long-term option submitted to Finance and Resources Committee for consideration.
• Secure statutory approvals for temporary library.
May – October 2025
• Complete factory construction, site preparation, delivery and site fit out of temporary facility.
Interim arrangements
The work highlighted above will continue to be further developed and in the meantime, a mobile library is providing services in the car park of Davidson Mains Church and there are alternative arrangements in place for the Blackhall Library groups and activities.
The mobile bus service will be situated in the car park of Davidson Mains Church, 1 Quality St, Edinburgh, EH4 5BB.
You will be able to return loans, borrow a limited selection of books, apply for bus passes, collect hearing aid batteries and free sanitary products.
The mobile bus will not be available week beginning 30 December.
The next scheduled dates are
Monday 13 January from 1.30pm to 6pm
Tuesday 14 January from 10.30am to 3pm
Wednesday 15 January from 10.30am to 3pm
Thursday 16 January from 10.30am to 3pm
Friday 17 January from 10.30am to 3pm.
Alternatively, you can visit any other Edinburgh Library for any of your library services (including returning books). Your nearest libraries are:
• Drumbrae Library Hub, 81 Drumbrae Drive, EH4 7FE
• Muirhouse Library, 12A Macmillan Square, EH4 4AB.
Finance and Resources Committee report, 25.01.2024
During Blackhall Library's temporary closure, many of the library's regular activities have moved to alternative locations. Please contact Blackhall Library for any further information.
Tuesday
11.30am to 1.30pm Hearing Link Services – drop-in sessions every 2nd Tuesday of the month. Currently held at Drumbrae Library.
6 to 7.30pm - Writers Group, fortnightly. Currently being held at Drumbrae Library.
Wednesday
Library Link, fortnightly, currently being held at Drumbrae Library.
Thursday
1 to 2.30pm, Knit & Natter. Now being held at Sycamore café, 1 Quality St, Edinburgh EH4 5BB.
Friday
Library Link, fortnightly, currently being held at Drumbrae Library.
Book groups
Book Group meetings and collections have moved to Drumbrae Library.
