Library Hubs bringing services together under one roof
The Guildford Library Hub will bring together library services, registration appointments and community spaces in the centre of Guildford.
These refurbishment works are all part of modernising libraries, which are hubs in the heart of our communities, providing public services, support and activities based on local needs, all under one roof. These web pages will provide updates on works being undertaken and progress.
Changes to the Guildford Library building are planned to make it a more welcoming, inclusive space with flexible furniture to enable a wider variety of uses, for differing events and activities. By creating flexible, shared spaces, the council is improving access to services and ensuring public assets continue to meet the needs of residents now and in the future. Registration Services will be co-located within the Library Hub.
These works are part of our ongoing investment in high quality community facilities that co-locate services together and make better use of public buildings. Creating Library Hub spaces that offer support, services and a place for socialising.
You will be invited to share your views on the new designs and help shape this shared space.
Library services
We know that libraries are an important part of local communities, providing, cultural, social, educational and economic spaces at the heart of our villages and towns. A place for people to meet others, work, study, rest and play. The space will be improved and will continue to provide activities and events, books, e-books, audio books, printing, computers, free Wi-Fi, room hire and more. Find out more about Guildford library.
Registration services
Registration services will be introduced at the Guildford Library Hub. This means residents will be able to register births and deaths in a convenient town centre location, as well as give notice of marriage and civil partnerships. Having registration services in the same building as the library will make accessing these services simpler and more convenient for residents. Find out more about registration services.
Community activity areas and meeting rooms
The proposals include improvements to areas for children and young people, including a full refurbishment of the children's library to create a modern, interactive space. Other improvements will include furniture upgrades, along with more flexible spaces for activities, events and community groups.
Further work will include installation of four purpose-built rooms on the first floor to create new and modern spaces for registration services to operate from, and a new accessible toilet with baby changing facilities on the second floor. These changes are intended to create a comfortable and welcoming space that supports learning and social connection at the heart of the local community.
What's happening and when
Have your say
You will be invited to share your views on the new designs and help shape this shared space. Come along to Guildford library where exhibition boards will be on display from Monday 13 July to Monday 10 August 2026, giving you the opportunity to view the proposals and share your feedback.
Summer 2026
Works are due to begin in mid-August, taking up to ten weeks, with full reopening planned for late October. The works will be undertaken in a phased way to minimise the impact on residents. Exact dates will be shared in due course and communicated to library members.
Throughout the library refurbishment work, customers can use any of our other Surrey libraries including the nearest libraries which are Ash, Godalming and Horsley libraries.
We aim to provide a click and collect service for as much as the works as possible. All library loans will be extended for the duration of the refurbishment work.
We’ll keep you updated on progress and any changes to service provision during these works on these pages.
Registration services at Guildford register office
Artington House, home to Guildford Register Office, is due to close in November 2026, as the Registration Service relocates to its new location at Guildford Library Hub.
We will continue to hold ceremonies at Artington House until 31 October 2026.
From early September 2026, register office ceremonies for between 2 and 18 guests will be available within a designated ceremony room at the Guildford Harbour Hotel, 3 Alexandra Terrace, High Street, Guildford, GU1 3DA. These ceremonies will take place on Sundays and Mondays only. Information about our other ceremony venues can be found on the Surrey Ceremonies web page.
To help maintain normal service during the move to Guildford Library Hub, registration appointments may be offered at either Artington House or the Library for a short period.
We will continue to keep customers updated as plans for the move progress.