Wendover Community Library improvement project

Thanks to funding from Arts Council England Libraries Improvement Fund, Buckinghamshire Council Capital Programme, and contributions from Wendover Parish Council and Wendover Community Library Trust, we have nearly £500,000 to turn the library into a vibrant, inclusive community hub.

Wendover Community Library will be closed from Monday, 23 September, until spring 2025 to carry out the works.

View the new library designs: 

Proposed exterior

Proposed interior

While the works are ongoing, we will be operating a Click and Collect service from the Wendover Parish Council Building, The Clock Tower, High Street, Wendover, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP22 6DU.

Opening hours will be:

• Monday: Closed
• Tuesday: 10am - 2pm
• Wednesday: Closed
• Thursday: 10am - 2pm
• Friday: 10am - 2pm
• Saturday: Closed
• Sunday: Closed

The Click and Collect service will only be available for picking up reserved items and making returns, in addition to a limited selection of picture books. No other books or audiobooks will be accessible for browsing.

Items reserved for collection at The Clock Tower will be free of charge. Items can be reserved either in person at The Clock Tower, or online. Fees will be cleared by staff on collection of the items at this location, please do not pay for reservations online.

Access to public computers, wifi, printing and the Council Access Point (CAP), will be unavailable at our temporary location.

If you require access to these services your nearest alternative branches are Aylesbury, Great Missenden and Princes Risborough, where our teams will be very happy to help.

Remember, you can also explore the wide range of online library resources on our website, including online newspapers, books and audiobooks; you can also renew your items online or via the phone.

Please visit our website for more information.

Our plans for the new library include:

• a sensory children's library that will be double the size of the existing children’s library, visible from the front of the building
• additional flexible meeting spaces for community activities or private hire
• comfortable seating areas for library users for work, study or social interaction
• newly decorated interior with new fittings and furniture using dementia and autism friendly colour palettes
• a new dedicated dementia-friendly area/Cosy Corner overlooking the community garden
• tourist and local information section
• improved energy efficiency
• multifunctional reception area
• wheelchair accessible WC
• improved courtyard funded by the Wendover Community Library Trust
• a series of internal and external art installations, shaped by local residents celebrating the people and place of Wendover

Planned improvements to the library include:

• new self-service technology to increase digital access such as a new self-service kiosk for book loans, loanable tablets (Hublets), touch screen meeting room display and digital advertising screen
• new diverse stock such as reminiscence collections and resources to promote health and wellbeing
• OMi design interactive sensory projection system that uses games, music and social activities to engage customers and improve their health and wellbeing, especially for people with neurodiverse needs
• community-based learning to improve digital skills

Wendover Community Library will have improved energy efficiency through enhancements made to increase natural light into the building.

We aim to make the new library hub more sustainable through generating additional income, and increasing footfall and use from community groups and local businesses.

Wendover Community Library Trust will be improving the outdoor courtyard space in the library which can be used by the whole community. With an aim to make it accessible for all, as well as being an attractive, modern, and easily maintained space for relaxation and conversation.

The library's new design will be complemented through the commissioning of various art pieces for both the interior and exterior, inspired by Wendover’s rich heritage and the diversity of its communities.

These artworks were crafted based on the insights and narratives shared by Wendover's residents, and the designs can be found in our Wendover Community Library art commission blog post.

September 2024:

• construction works begin

March 2025:

• furniture and fittings installed
• IT installed
• artwork installed

Spring 2025:

• new library launch

Keep up to date with the progress of the project with our Wendover Community Library improvement project blogs.

A Library Transformation Fund has been set up for those who are willing and able to contribute financial support to the new library. This fund will enable us to implement value-added elements suggested by the public during the engagement exercises such as improvements to the front courtyard.

Different donation options are available for people and businesses to help the improvement project, and donations of any amount can be made online or in the library.

To find out how you can support the project, access the Library Transformation Fund webpage.

If you’d like to find out more contact [email protected]