Exciting plans for future of Stockton Heath Library

RESIDENTS are being invited to find out more about exciting plans for Stockton Heath Library – which not so long ago was threatened with closure along with other libraries across the borough.
A series of public engagement events have begun, giving residents the opportunity to view the plans to build a sustainable future for the library, widen its usage and extend its role in the community.
The plans, which have been developed by the South Warrington Libraries Working Group; and SWISH (Friends of the South Warrington Library in Stockton Heath), include:
• Upgrading the building for provision of rental areas to ensure income streams
• Widening the scope of community engagement with library provision and activities
• Adapting the library to better accommodate the range of local needs/disabilities such as dementia or sensory disability
• Increasing the building flexibility to extend the potential range of activities, such as literary events or cultural presentations.
Appleton ward councillor, and chairman of SWISH Cllr Sharon Harris, said: “I am absolutely thrilled that the South Warrington Library (in Stockton Heath) Working Group, together with the SWISH Friend’s Group have some very positive news to share about the future of our Library.
“A business plan has been developed to ensure that the library extends its community role whilst developing community based income streams, to help ensure that library services will be sustained and developed for all into the foreseeable future.  This has culminated in some exciting plans being drawn up and we hope the work will be completed before summer 2019.
“Please come along to one of the events, view the plans for the changes, and discuss them with a SWISH Working Group member or a member of the SWISH Friends’ Group.”
The sessions are as follows:
• Thurs 18th Oct: 4.30pm-6pm
• Sat 20th Oct: 11am-12.30pm
* Tues 23rd Oct: 12 noon-1:30pm
• Fri 26th Oct: 5pm-6.30pm
• Mon 29th Oct: 2.30pm-4pm
• Thurs 1st Nov: 10.30am-12 noon
• Sat 3rd Nov: 11am-12.30pm
Warrington Borough Council’s executive board member for leisure and community, Cllr Tony Higgins, said: “We have made a commitment to build a sustainable future for our libraries, and we are now delivering on that commitment. I’m delighted that the investment promises we have made are now coming to fruition – not only at Stockton Heath, but at libraries across the borough.
“The Stockton Heath Library plans are great example of what we can achieve, by working with communities and partners. I’d urge all local people to attend one of the engagement events, to find out more about the exciting plans and to ask any questions they may have about the future of the library.”