RENOWNED award-winning writer, Frank Cottrell-Boyce, joined the community to celebrate the official opening of the newly refurbished Culcheth Village Library.
Winner of the Carnegie Medal for Millions; and the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize for The Unforgotten Coat, Frank Cottrell-Boyce is renowned for his novels for young people and as the writer for the 2012 Summer Olympics opening ceremony.
More than 70 people attended the special event, including the Mayor of Warrington, Cllr Steve Wright, the Friends of Culcheth Library and schoolchildren, along with local residents and businesses who have supported the refurbishment project.
As part of the event, Frank spoke to young people from Culcheth High School, Culcheth Community Primary School, Newchurch Primary School and Twiss Green Community Primary School about his work, his career as a writer, and his latest book, ‘Sputnik’s Guide to Life on Earth’.
He also shared his views about the enduring importance of libraries and literature and enjoyed presentations and performance poetry from the young people.
Frank then joined the Mayor to unveil a special plaque and declare the new-look library officially open.
Warrington Borough Council’s £400,000 investment in Culcheth Library is part of its wider libraries modernisation programme. It has helped rejuvenate the building – which was built in 1895 – providing a range of improvements for the whole community, including:
• The creation of a brand-new space, ‘The Atrium Room’
• A new entrance and covered walkway along the front of the library
• A new accessible walkway running around the building.
• New library furniture including bookshelves
• New accessible toilet facilities
Warrington Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for leisure and community, Cllr Tony Higgins attended the opening event. He said: “Our library modernisation programme continues to go from strength to strength, and the refurbishment of Culcheth Library is the latest success story for our borough.
“We know how much the local community has valued the library for more than 100 years, so I’m delighted we’ve been able to make this investment, which will ensure the library can continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.
“The refurbishment works have breathed new life into the building, providing a modern, welcome and flexible space for people of all ages to enjoy.
“It was wonderful to welcome an author as renowned as Frank Cottrell-Boyce for this special celebration event, ushering in an exciting new era for the library.”
