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.
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.
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. From an overall project perspective the delivery of the temporary accommodation should be progressed as quickly as possible.
Quotes have therefore been received from modular building contractors for the provision of a temporary library facility. The best value option is for the facility to be purchased rather than rented. This option allows the most flexibility in terms of the time taken to deliver the permanent solution as the one-off cost is known compared to rental fees which increase the longer it takes to deliver the permanent replacement library. The cost of the temporary facility will be in the region of £1m and can be funded from the RAAC capital budget allocated in the 2024 budget setting process.
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 service will be available
Monday 4 November from 1.30pm to 6pm
Tuesday 5 November from 10.30am to 3pm
Wednesday 6 November from 10.30am to 3pm
Thursday 7 November from 10.30am to 3pm
Friday 8 November 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, Edinburgh, EH4 7FE
• Muirhouse Library at Edinburgh College, Granton Campus, 350 West Granton Road, Edinburgh, EH5 1QE
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.
