Dewsbury Library to move to new location later this month
The library ‘hub’ will be opening in its new premises right next to the town hall on February 16
Last updated 30th Jan 2026
Dewsbury library will be moving to a new home next month, though not everyone has been on board with the plans.
Last year, we reported that the decision to shift the town’s library from its current premises on Railway Street to the Walsh Building next to Dewsbury Town Hall had been made by Kirklees Council. This was despite 66 per cent of 301 respondents to the council’s consultation considering it ‘important’ or ‘very important’ that the library stay put.
The library ‘hub’ will be opening in its new premises right next to the town hall on Thursday, February 16. The move will begin on February 9. The local authority says that together, the two landmark buildings the town hall and Walsh Building will frame a revitalised public space designed to bring new life and activity into the centre of Dewsbury.
During the transition period (February 9 -12), visitors will still be able to return books and access housing support services, but other library services will be temporarily unavailable. The library will then be closed on Friday 13, Saturday 14, and Sunday 15 February.
When the library reopens in the refurbished Walsh Building, it will offer all existing services plus a brand new design & textile-themed MakerSpace. This space – which will launch in early spring – will provide a creative environment with equipment and technology for hands-on projects, focusing on textiles, graphics, and design. The local authority says it will also support learning in digital and electronic skills, including coding, with access to specialist tools such as Raspberry Pi and Arduino kits.
Councillor Amanda Pinnock, Cabinet Member for Environment and Communities said: “When the library hub moves into the town centre, you’ll find the same warm welcome as before. All the familiar services – from books to computers, as well as relaxing places to sit, read and study, will still be there. The new hub will also include a community room for library groups and activities, and a children’s library with both indoor and outdoor spaces to explore.
“For the first time, the Town Hall and new Dewsbury Library Hub will be connected by a single, continuous pedestrian area. Once the public realm works are complete, visitors will be able to step straight from the library into a new public square—a perfect place to relax, meet friends or enjoy reading outdoors.
“The library move forms part of the wider Dewsbury Blueprint investment and regeneration work which aims to revitalise the town centre and make it a great place to live, work, shop and spend time.”
During the move, full services will continue to be available at nearby libraries: Batley Library Hub and Ravensthorpe Library Hub (Greenwood Centre). Opening times and locations for all libraries can be found on the Kirklees Libraries website: www.kirklees.gov.uk/beta/libraries/our-libraries/locations-and-opening-times.aspx
Housing support will continue to operate from Huddersfield Library Hub during the closure and will also be available to call on 01484 221350.