The council wants to hear views on the relocation of Rochester Library

The Charles Dickens Centre in Rochester, Kent, is due to close as a visitor attraction on 31 October.

Earlier this month, Medway Council announced plans to relocate Rochester Library to the Grade I listed building.

It has given people until 24 August to give their views on the type of library services they would like to see.

Swiss chalet

Medway Council's cabinet agreed to close the Dickens Centre, which is located in Eastgate House, last month following a steady decline in visitor numbers.

In addition to sending out questionnaires and planning a telephone consultation, it has held an exhibition outlining its plans.

The council said that while the closure was regrettable, Dickens' connections with the Medway area - where the author spent much of his life - would be maintained.

In the grounds of Eastgate House, visitors will still be able to see the Swiss chalet where the author worked on The Mystery of Edwin Drood before his death in 1870.