Nesting gulls delay Poole Library reopening to 19 October

Poole Library will reopen three weeks later than planned because gulls nested on its roof. The library and customer service hub in Poole's Dolphin Centre are now expected to reopen on weekdays on Monday 19 October 2026, BBC News reported on 24 September.

The building has been closed from Monday to Friday since 26 August while contractors remove RAAC, the lightweight reinforced concrete found in many public buildings of its era, from the roof. BCP Council's Poole Library page now gives the weekday closure as running to Friday 16 October, which fits a reopening on the Monday after.

Why have gulls delayed the work?

Because the birds and their nests are protected by law. All wild birds, their nests and eggs are covered by the Wildlife and Countryside Act, so once nesting gulls were found, workers could not reach parts of the roof and the construction programme slipped. The council now expects the roof phase to finish in time for a 19 October reopening.

Councillor Andy Martin, BCP Council's culture councillor, apologised for the inconvenience. He said circumstances outside the council's control had delayed the roof repairs, that contractors need more time to finish this phase safely, and thanked residents for their patience.

Can you still use Poole Library?

Yes, on Saturdays. The library keeps its Saturday opening from 9am to 5pm, and books can be returned through the box outside the entrance at any time. On weekdays the nearest alternatives are the other libraries in the Poole area, which the BBC says are open as normal: Hamworthy, Oakdale, Parkstone, Branksome and Broadstone.

The delay has also moved the town's Citizens Advice service, which is normally based in the library. According to the BBC, it has been operating from the United Reformed Church near the former Poole Civic Centre.

What it means for residents and long-stay guests

For most visitors to Poole the delay changes little: the Dolphin Centre shops, the Quay and the old town are unaffected. It matters more to anyone living in Poole for a few months who relies on the library for Wi-Fi, printing or a quiet desk, or who needs the council's face-to-face customer service. Until 19 October, plan those visits for a Saturday or use one of the branch libraries.

Our guides to things to do in Poole and where to stay in Poole cover the town beyond the shopping centre, and the Bournemouth Guide's Poole local guide is written for people staying nearby. Its guide to working remotely from Bournemouth looks at places to work across the area.

Flexiestays has serviced apartments near Poole from its Bournemouth base. For guests on longer stays who need a reliable desk, the Help Centre has a page on Wi-Fi, smart TV and working from your apartment, and our piece on relocating to Bournemouth for work covers the first weeks in the area. Poole's green spaces kept their standards this year too, as our report on Poole Park's Green Flag shows.