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Held on Thursday 9 October 2025, the event brought together representatives from Gloucestershire County Council and the University of Gloucestershire for a memorable celebration of the city’s new home for its library at the flagship University of Gloucestershire, City Campus.

The event began at the old library on Brunswick Road, where participants gathered for a safety briefing before forming a ‘human chain’ through the heart of Gloucester. Together, they passed a selection of books along the planned route, symbolically carrying the story of the city’s library into a new chapter.

The final book making the journey was ‘Great Expectations’ by Charles Dickens – a title selected by library staff to signify their and the community’s anticipation and high hopes for this new chapter in the city’s library. This was also accompanied by Jilly Cooper’s – Between the Covers to remember one of Gloucestershire’s most famous authors and The Tailor of Gloucester by Beatrix Potter in three different languages. The titles reflect the diversity of books on offer from libraries.

As we near the opening of the new library this is an exciting chapter for Gloucester. The success of ‘Pass the Book’ was such a fun way to herald in the new library which is looking amazing. We are grateful to everyone who took part and helped make this historic transition possible.
Cllr Paul Hodgkinson, cabinet member for libraries

Among the chain of staff was Christine Roberts, a staff member who has worked for Gloucestershire County Council’s library service for 46 years. Christine had the opportunity to start the book pass to mark this momentous occasion.  


 

Creating a shared space for students, staff and the wider community has always been central to our vision for City Campus. Therefore, seeing the final books placed on the shelves in Gloucester’s new library is a hugely exciting milestone for the whole development. We are delighted to welcome library users into the building which will play a key role in transforming Gloucester city centre
Dame Clare Marchant, DBE, Vice-Chancellor of University of Gloucestershire

Gloucester Library has been housed at Brunswick Road, Gloucester since 1900 in the historic gothic building. The building is connected to Gloucester Museum which is remaining in situ. The old library is on a long lease and will be converted into Gloucestershire County Council staff accommodation

The new Gloucester Library is set to open to the public on 13 October 2025 at 9am.