Gloucestershire County Council has celebrated the end of an era — and the start of a new chapter — with a special ‘Pass the Book’ event marking the move from the old Brunswick Road Library to the new Gloucester Library at the City Campus in King’s Square.
Held on Thursday, the celebration brought together council representatives, staff and members of the University of Gloucestershire to symbolically transfer the library’s story to its new home.
Participants formed a human chain through the heart of the city, passing books from the old site to the new. The final title to complete the journey was Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations — chosen to represent the community’s hopes for the new library. It was accompanied by Jilly Cooper’s Between the Covers, honouring one of Gloucestershire’s most beloved authors, and Beatrix Potter’s The Tailor of Gloucester in three languages, highlighting the library’s diversity.
Cllr Paul Hodgkinson, cabinet member for libraries, said the event was a fitting tribute to the city’s literary heritage. “As we near the opening of the new library, this is an exciting chapter for Gloucester,” he said. “The success of Pass the Book was such a fun way to herald the new library, and we’re grateful to everyone who helped make this historic transition possible.”
Among those in the chain was Christine Roberts, who has worked in the county’s library service for 46 years and had the honour of starting the first book pass.
Dame Clare Marchant DBE, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Gloucestershire, said the new library would play a vital role in revitalising the city centre.
“Creating a shared space for students, staff and the wider community has always been central to our vision for City Campus,” she said. “Seeing the final books placed on the shelves is a hugely exciting milestone for Gloucester.”
The former Brunswick Road Library, which has served readers since 1900, will be converted into county council staff accommodation, while the museum next door will remain in place.
The new Gloucester Library officially opens to the public on Monday at 9am.