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Gloucester Library celebrates successful first year at City Campus

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More than 225,000 visits, thousands of new members and a growing programme of digital activities have marked a successful first year for Gloucester Library in its new home at the University of Gloucestershire's City Campus.

Since relocating to the former Debenhams building on Northgate Street, the library has welcomed more than 225,400 visitors and signed up over 2,960 new members. During the year, customers have borrowed 72,840 items and made extensive use of the library's digital and learning facilities.

The library officially opened its new location on 13 October 2025, with more than 1,200 people visiting on its first day. Since then, it has become a busy community hub, offering access to books, computers, free Wi-Fi, printing services, events and digital support.

Customers have printed more than 10,900 documents directly from their phones using the library's Princh printing service, alongside a further 8,225 documents from public computers. Users have also logged almost 14,000 hours on the library's public PCs.

The library's creative technology space, The Lab, has proved particularly popular. Its 3D printers have been in use for more than 900 hours, while more than 575 hours of digital support, workshops and activities have been delivered in The Lab by library staff and partner organisations for local people and community groups.

Library staff say visitors have consistently praised the modern, welcoming and accessible space. Many former Debenhams customers have also enjoyed returning to the building and sharing memories of its previous role in the city centre.

Further improvements are planned, including the removal of scaffolding on The Oxbode side of the building and the installation of permanent library signage to help attract even more visitors.

Cllr Paul Hodgkinson, cabinet member for libraries at Gloucestershire County Council, said: "Gloucester Library's first year at City Campus has been a real success. These figures show just how valuable libraries remain, not only for borrowing books but as places where people can learn new skills, access technology, study, work and spend time with others.

"The move has helped bring the library into the heart of the city centre and created a modern, welcoming space that is attracting both existing users and new visitors. We look forward to building on that success and encouraging even more people to discover everything their library has to offer."