AFTER bouncing back from the threat of closure as part of council cutbacks, Westbrook Library and Community Centre has enjoyed a hugely successful first week of reopening under the stewardship of Westbrook Library Friends CIC.
Nearly 400 visitors were welcomed throughout the week, creating a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere throughout the building.
The library officially reopened to the public on Monday 5 January 2026, following the withdrawal of Warrington Borough Council staffing and the handover of day-to-day opening to the newly formed Community Interest Company. Book services continue to be managed by Livewire with support from an outreach librarian, but thanks to the dedication of over 100 registered volunteers, the library is now open six days a week with extended hours:
Monday: 9am–5pm
Tuesday: 9am–5pm
Wednesday: 9am–5pm
Thursday: 9.30am–4.30pm
Friday: 9.30am–4.30pm
Saturday: 10am–3pm
The first week saw a real buzz as residents of all ages returned to borrow books, meet friends and take part in a growing programme of activities. New sessions launched this week include:
Rhyme Time on Mondays for babies and toddlers, followed by a Coffee Morning
After-School LEGO Club on Tuesdays
Men’s Coffee Morning, offering a relaxed and supportive social space
Frailty Fighters, helping older residents build strength, stay active and reduce the risk of hospital admission
Children reading in the library
This week will see the launch of a new Reminisce Café, today, Wednesday – a social morning for people living with, and caring for those with, dementia – as well as several free college courses starting at the centre.
Westbrook Library Friends CIC is extremely grateful to Burtonwood and Westbrook Parish Council, who have awarded £10,000 towards the running costs of the library, helping to secure its future during this crucial transition to a community-led model.
One user commented on Westbrook Library Friends CIC’s Facebook page: “It’s been so amazing to see what you’ve all been able to achieve with the library – making it a proper community space. It’s more than I could ever have dreamed for the library, and you’ve actually been able to put it into practice! I’m so impressed with all of the volunteers.”
Westbrook Library Friends CIC was formed in response to proposals in March 2025 by Labour-run Warrington Borough Council to close the library due to lower usage figures and the cost of renting the building, which is the only library in the borough not owned by the council. The proposal sparked a passionate community campaign, including a public consultation that received more than 2,000 responses, a packed drop-in event attended by over 100 residents, a procession by local schoolchildren, BBC radio interviews, and even a question raised by a pupil at a full council meeting.
As a result of this overwhelming support, the council revised its plans and introduced a tiered library system. Westbrook was reclassified to remain open as a reduced, unstaffed ‘Tier 4’ library, with a new community-led operating model designed to become self-funded over two years. Westbrook Library Friends CIC was registered in August 2025 as a not-for-profit Community Interest Company, enabling access to grants and independent funding and providing a formal structure to manage the library and develop its role as a community hub.
On 5 January 2026, the Friends group officially took over the day-to-day running of the library. In just one week, they have increased opening hours, expanded activities, and demonstrated the strength of local support.
Heather Copperwheat, Chair of Westbrook Library Friends CIC, said: “The first week has been incredible. To welcome nearly 400 people through the doors and feel such energy in the building shows just how much this library means to the community. We are hugely thankful to Burtonwood and Westbrook Parish Council for their generous £10,000 support, to the Livewire team supporting us through transition and to our amazing volunteers who have given their time, skills and enthusiasm to make this possible. This is only the beginning – together we are determined to make Westbrook Library a thriving, sustainable space for learning, connection and wellbeing for everyone.”
Plans are already underway for further activities, partnerships and internal improvements to increase use of the building and generate income, helping to secure the long-term future of this much-loved community asset.
You can find more details of upcoming events and activities from the CIC’s Facebook page. www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582192575450. A website is underway and coming soon.
