Chester Library is moving to Storyhouse
Chester Library is set to close at the end of March 2017 to prepare the brand new Storyhouse library. During April 2017 stock will be moved across to the new library and the existing library staff will receive additional training .During April 2017 when the library is closed, members of the public will be encouraged to use the nearby libraries of Blacon, Great Boughton, Lache and Upton. The current library on Northgate street will be converted into restaurant space, retaining the iconic frontage , with its arches serving as a gateway to the new market square, scheduled to open in 2019.
The council /Storyhouse are holding drop in sessions for residents to find out more about the changes and ask questions. These sessions will be held in the library on:
Thursday 1st December 11-2
Monday 5th December 4 -7
Visitors will be able to find out more about the new Storyhouse library including the children’s library, complete with an arts/crafts messy play area and a storytelling room; dedicated family and local history section; improved digital facilities and services; flexible event spaces; increased opening hours and opportunities to get involved. Councillor Louise Gittins said that “The drop-in sessions are a great way to find out more about the exciting transition of Chester Library to Storyhouse.
“The library team are working closely with Storyhouse on how the service will be delivered in the new exciting storytelling centre. We are excited to share progress and to be able to talk to residents and community groups about how they can get involved.”
Alex Clifton, artistic director of Storyhouse, said: ““This internationally acclaimed partnership between Storyhouse and CWAC is a model for cultural innovation. It’s a new way to make, share and discover stories. The centre unifies two theatres, a cinema and – uniquely – the city’s library services. The project has garnered international attention as a blueprint for innovation.
“Storyhouse’s library is a family-friendly and community-led service. Working with CWAC we will be able to offer a wide programme of fun creative activity, with opportunities for people to learn, explore, create, participate, volunteer and train with Storyhouse.
“The library invites Cheshire’s diverse communities to meet, make and play together in a place where we bring stories to life, and great culture to Britain’s greatest city. At its heart is its community.”
.Storyhouse is set to open the beginning of May 2017. It will house a library offering , a 500/800 seat theatre that will present home produced and the country’s best touring work, a 100-seat cinema, screening the best independent and mainstream films, plus a café/restaurant and bar spaces.
The Chester blog 
The information boards that were up referred to it as a six seater cinema. If it’s to be just the one, would it be fair to suggest it will be used for specialist films as opposed to main stream releases? Chester really hasn’t gained a cinema at all, has it?
its a one screen 100 seat cinema. A six screen cinema will be built where the current bus station is
Just discovered this!
I remember the Odeon as a cinema and the old library in saint John street, and the opening of the new [soon to be old] library.
I live almost as far away from the city of my birth as it is possible to get and will, alas never return, but please continue with this blog as it is a link with my past.