Charminster Library is to remain closed for the foreseeable future due to serious building safety concerns and the high cost of essential repairs.
Why did Charminster Library close?
Charminster Library has been unable to open since December 2025 after a partial ceiling collapse.
Since then, the library has been closed on health and safety grounds and to enable detailed follow-up inspections.
Why does it have to remain closed?
The library is currently not safe for the public and our staff. The work required to make it safe again is more complex and expensive than originally anticipated.
The building already needed significant repairs and maintenance, mainly due to ongoing water coming in through the roof.
After the ceiling collapse further investigations identified asbestos contamination and deterioration in parts of the roof structure, including rotting timbers.
Council officers also found redundant ceiling-mounted radiators in the roof void, including one radiator that had fallen.
What repairs are required?
A comprehensive scheme of work is required to make Charminster Library safe again.
The asbestos found in the building requires professional and safe removal, cleaning and repairs.
The removal and replacement of suspended ceilings and defective roof joists, removal of the redundant ceiling radiators, new lighting and a comprehensive programme of redecorating is also required.
Externally, the library building needs removal and rebuild of parapet walls, reconstruction of guttering, removal of further asbestos from the flat roofs, new cladding and redecoration.
What works are included in the current estimate?
- Temporary protection of all library contents and book stock.
- Removal of asbestos contamination in the roof void.
- Temporary strapping (from above) to secure heaters so they can be removed safely.
- Substantial internal and external scaffolding.
- Removal and replacement of asbestos-containing flat roof coverings and parts of the rotten structure.
- Removal of roof lights and roof reinstatement.
- Removal and replacement of parapet walls around the building and replacement of waterproofing details.
- Removal of suspended ceiling and the plaster-and-lath ceiling above, then full ceiling replacement (approx. 300m²).
- Repairs to internal plasterwork damaged by sustained water getting into the building.
- Internal and external redecoration of the entire building (external works to improve protection against future weather damage).
- Complete replacement of internal lighting.
What is the estimated cost of the works?
The current estimate indicates around £680k is needed for works to make the building safe again.
These figures were prepared at pace to inform initial budget discussions and are not a formal contractor quotation.
A full breakdown of the costs is available to view here:
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Didn’t the council previously say it would cost £410k to fix Charminster Library?
The circa £410k figure related to a more limited schedule of works and was produced before asbestos and deterioration in the roof timbers were identified.
This figure was included in the BCP draft library strategy report, dated 29 October 2025.
That report made clear that existing revenue budgets within the library service or in Facilities Management were not sufficient to tackle the issue without additional investment.
This amount was also a broad estimate rather than a detailed costing.
There is no existing budget for that £410k maintenance work, so the overall amount we require for these works is circa £680k.
How long would the works take?
Based on the current estimate, the works would be anticipated to take around 20 weeks.
Is there a minimum level of works that would allow the library to reopen sooner?
Following the initial ceiling collapse, the intention was to address the most urgent issues and reopen relatively quickly, recognising wider maintenance issues would remain.
However, the discovery of asbestos and rotting roof timbers means a “quick fix” approach is no longer considered safe and would not be an effective use of this investment.
Have you had a second opinion?
Our experienced estates and construction teams have assessed the works required and have made initial estimates for repair and replacement.
In the event funding is secured a more detailed costing will be prepared prior to commencement of works.
Do the estimated works address all issues with the building?
The current scope addresses the most immediate issues and would significantly improve the future of the building, but it does not resolve everything.
For example, the plant room (including the boiler) is ageing and likely to require replacement at an additional cost of around £70k.
Can local trades or community tendering reduce costs?
While offers of community support are appreciated, the works required are extensive and complex and must be managed safely.
A single contractor would need to control the site. Construction (Design and Management) regulations would apply, and specialist sub-contractors (for example, asbestos removal and scaffolding) would be required.
As a public body, the council must also comply with its procurement regulations.
Could the scope and costs change?
If funding was available in principle, the next step would be to undertake further investigations and finalise the specification and costs.
This work could reduce the cost of some items, but further issues may also be discovered given the building’s age and condition. Because the works involve asbestos and heavy ceiling-mounted radiators, robust health and safety measures are required throughout.
Can Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding be used?
Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding is one potential route of funding, but strategic CIL is already allocated, and the neighbourhood CIL pot is currently insufficient.
Why did you not budget for this?
We were very clear in our library strategy about the challenges facing our library buildings and highlighted the estimated £1.8m required to repair issues across the library estate.
Can’t you find the money from somewhere?
Existing revenue budgets within the service or in Facilities Management are not sufficient to tackle the issue without additional investment.
We will make sure we position ourselves to be able to bid for and secure any funding that can be identified.
There are many external funding bodies, but few (if any) focus on libraries specifically.
Where library-related funds exist, they often require service improvements or expansion and demonstrable community outcomes, rather than being targeted solely at building repairs and maintenance. Match funding is also commonly required, and some funding sources are capped (often around £500k).
We remain open to opportunities, but the capacity to undertake fundraising at the scale required is limited.
Are you looking at other solutions?
We will explore options to seek a long‑term solution and remain fully committed to maintaining library access for residents of the Charminster area.
What about other libraries in BCP? Are they at risk of closing?
The library strategy confirmed the council’s commitment to maintaining the current level of library provision.
It is difficult to predict whether building related issues may arise at our libraries that create a need for critical repairs and investment, and whether funding will be available to support necessary works, as the experience of Charminster library has shown.
Does this impact on the library strategy?
The underlying aim of the library strategy is to sustain and modernise the library offer to ensure we continue to deliver comprehensive and efficient library services for future generations.
We remain absolutely committed to this and will continue to look at all possible options for keeping access to a library in the Charminster community.
What is happening with the Open Access plan?
Our plans to implement Open Access technology did require grant funding from Arts Council England and we have received notification from them that our bid for this was unsuccessful.
This is not because of the condition of the Charminster building.
What do library users in Charminster do now?
Whilst Charminster Library remains closed, library members can still use any library in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. Castlepoint and Winton Libraries are the closest.
From their own device, customers can also borrow up to 10 eBooks at a time, access over 3,000 different magazine titles, read over 1,000 different newspapers titles and listen to five audiobooks online, via the BorrowBox app.
The Home Library Service is also available for any residents who cannot get to a library because of age or disability, or because they are caring for someone.
Residents interested in the home library service should email the Royal Voluntary Service Home Library Manager at bcphomelibraryservice@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk or call 01305 236 666.
Find contact details of other libraries within Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole here www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/libraries/find-a-library
Would you consider opening Castlepoint or Winton Libraries for longer by moving the Charminster Staff?
There is no plan to extend the opening hours of other libraries. Our focus is on identifying funding to reopen Charminster library.
Are the books safe?
Yes, the books are safe. Staff cannot access the site currently owing to the Health & Safety risks, but once we can, we will be doing all we can to store them safely. We will then continually review options around making them available for loan.