On Monday 7 December 1981 the Warminster History Society was privileged to be given a detailed description of Warminster’s new library building and information on how it will be used.
Mr. Peter Pickup, the Assistant Director of Wiltshire Library And Museum Service; Mr. Martin Norgate, the Wiltshire Museums Officer; and Mr. John Hazel, the architect; showed the History Society the plans and each spoke on their own particular aspect.
National standards exist to decide the size of the building which is to serve the population of 16,000 or so of the town and also the large number of people who come from outlying villages to use the library.
The front entrance will be opposite Three Horseshoes Mall, and at the rear will be a garage for the mobile library, a courtyard and parking for 30 cars (a compulsory requirement).
In spite of a probable 30% increase in use, opening hours will stay as present and there will be no increase in staff. A new computer system will operate.
It is hoped that construction will end in late August 1982 and the opening will take place in November 1982.
Mr. Norgate, who has spoken to Warminster History Society before about his relationship as advisor to the Dewey Museum, gave practical information about the type of showcases the new museum will have and the facilities for providing displays.
The Museum will be open 28 hours a week instead of the present Saturdays only arrangement.
There will be a large storage space, in addition to a display area, a workroom for conservation work on artefacts, and another room where researchers can study books and newspapers.
On the ground floor, beyond the display area, will be a meeting room, which the Museum may be able to use for special exhibitions.
The Chairman of the History Society, Jack Field, said that the Society has now become a registered charity and may therefore be eligible for grants.
Miss Stewart-Bam is making a collection of books for the Friends of Wiltshire Museums, to raise funds for museums in the west of the county, and this should benefit the Dewey Museum.
There are various necessary articles which the initial budget is not able to provide.
The absence of Bob Hall, the Warminster Librarian, was regretted, and those present wished him well.
The meeting concluded with delicious mince pies and other refreshments kindly provided by Mrs. Adie, Mr. and Mrs. Barnes, Mrs. West and Mrs. Dodge.
The Warminster History is now looking forward to the interesting programme that has been arranged for 1982.