Best selling Gloucestershire novelist Katie Fforde cut the ribbon today to formally open Stroud Library at its new location at Five Valleys in the heart of the town.

It has moved from its old location in Lansdown to a more central and accessible site in the centre of the town.

The formal launch was attended by leader of Gloucestershire County Council Cllr Mark Hawthorne and included a guided tour of the library for guests, a Lab demo and an author networking event.

The library has proved extremely popular with customers since it first opened to the public in its new location in April, when it welcomed around 750 customers on the opening day.

In the period from April to June it has welcomed 35,778 visitors and 815 new members have joined. A range of activities are held at the library for people of all ages, including Story Time and Baby Bounce and Rhyme, dance and craft workshops and digital support sessions.

The library, based on the lower ground floor of the shopping centre in King Street, is in a completely refurbished area where you can browse a vast range of adult and children's books.

The Lab area provides the opportunity to experience 3D design/print, Virtual Reality, access to the full adobe creative suites, and much more. Other services include a new bookable meeting room, printing and free access to computers and self-serve digital tablets for members.

The library is free to join and people are encouraged to sign up at: https://gloucestershire.spydus.co.uk/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/MSGTRN/WPAC/JOIN 

For opening times, contact details and events, please see: gloslibraries.uk/library/stroud-library

Cllr Dave Norman, cabinet member for libraries at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “I am delighted Stroud Library has now opened in its new location and is proving so popular with customers. They are pleased the library is now based in a more central spot and have given really positive feedback.

"It offers a wide range of services, as well as a comprehensive range of books, so I would encourage anyone who hasn’t visited to pop and see what’s on offer.”

Erica Malpass, Centre Manager at Five Valleys, said: “Five Valleys is a real community hub and it is brilliant to see members of the public enjoying the library facilities and taking advantage of our other community assets such as the medical centre and food market. We wish the library every success here at Five Valleys.”

Watch the video from the ribbon cutting here Katie Fforde opens Stroud Library on Vimeo