By KLTV Newsdesk –

Library move to Walsh Building to bring fresh energy and community spaces to the heart of Dewsbury

Dewsbury Library is set to reopen in its new home in the heart of the town centre on 16 February 2026, marking a major step in the town’s ongoing regeneration.

A Central Move: From Railway Street to the Walsh Building

The library hub is relocating from its current Railway Street location to the newly refurbished Walsh Building, situated next to Dewsbury Town Hall.

Kirklees Council says the aim is to create a revitalised public space, connecting two of Dewsbury’s landmark buildings and injecting new life into the town centre.

The relocation process begins on 9 February, with books, equipment, and other resources being transferred to the new site.

During the transition period from 9 to 12 February, visitors will still be able to return books and access housing support services, though other library services will be temporarily unavailable.

The library will be closed from Friday 13 to Sunday 15 February.

Accessing Services During the Move

Full library services will continue at Batley Library Hub and Ravensthorpe Library Hub (Greenwood Centre).

For opening times and locations, visit the Kirklees Libraries website: www.kirklees.gov.uk/beta/libraries/our-libraries/locations-and-opening-times.aspx.

Housing support services will operate from Huddersfield Library Hub during the closure and will also be available by phone on 01484 221350.

What to Expect in the New Library Hub

The refurbished Walsh Building will house all existing services, alongside exciting new facilities:

• Access to council services, digital and IT support, free Wi-Fi, and information
• A wide-ranging programme of events and activities for all ages, including Story Times, Rhyme Times, and Knit & Natter groups
• Community space for library groups and activities
• Children’s library with indoor and outdoor spaces
• Wraparound support services, such as stop smoking and healthy weight programmes
• Housing support
• Upgraded toilets and décor
• A brand-new MakerSpace

Introducing the MakerSpace

The MakerSpace will provide a collaborative, creative environment with equipment and technology for hands-on projects.

Reflecting Dewsbury’s rich textile heritage, it will focus on textiles, graphics, and design and will be open to artists, makers, students, hobbyists, and small businesses.

Visitors will also have opportunities to develop digital and electronic skills, including coding, with access to specialist tools such as Raspberry Pi and Arduino kits.

Full details on accessing the MakerSpace will be shared via the Creative Kirklees website and Kirklees Libraries’ social media accounts in the coming weeks.

Part of Dewsbury’s Regeneration

Cllr 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.”

With its move to the Walsh Building, the Council hopes to transform the Library hub into a modern, community-focused hub that reflects the town’s heritage while embracing the future.