PADGATE Library is now officially open for business following a £142,000 renovation undertaken as part of Warrington Borough Council’s Library Modernisation plan.
Warrington Borough Council’s cabinet member for neighbourhoods and communities, Cllr Tony Higgins performed the official opening ceremony where he was joined by Alan Yates, chair of LiveWire, Cllr Dianna Friend from the library working group and Albert Hartley from the Friends of the library.
The plans for the £142,000 redevelopment were produced by Warrington Borough Council and LiveWire – which manages the Insall Road library – in conjunction with a working group made up of members of the local community and the Friends of Padgate Library group.
Priorities included making the library frontage brighter and more attractive to make it feel safer, especially in the winter months. The revamp is also aiming to provide more flexibility of space for library and community activities and to promote pride in the library, encouraging more people to use the important community facility.
The redevelopment work involved improvements to the outside of the building including:
• The removal of the canopy and porch area
• Replacing the front windows and glass panels in the roof
• Improved external lighting
Alongside the exterior works, the library has also undergone an internal refurbishment. The changes include:
· Repainting of the interior of the building
· Relocation and installation of a new library counter
· New shelving
· The relocation of books from the first floor to downstairs; this has created a multi-purpose room on the first floor to be used for community hires and activities.
Opening hours for the library are as follows:
Monday: 10.00am to 1.00pm & 2.00 to 5.00pm
Wednesday: 2.00pm to 5.00pm
Saturday: 9.30am to 1.00pm
Emma Hutchinson, Managing Director of LiveWire, said: “We are delighted that the new-look Padgate Library will soon be opening its doors again, and we’re looking forward to showing off the improvements that will ensure the community has a modern, multi-functional library space to enjoy. We would like to thank the Friends of Padgate Library for all their dedication and time and all the members of the working group for their enthusiasm and support on the renovation of the library.”
Cllr Higgins, added: “It’s absolutely fantastic news that the renovation of Padgate Library is now complete and the new-look building is ready to re-open, for the whole community to enjoy.
“These improvements have given the library a new lease of life, and visitors can look forward to a welcoming, attractive and flexible space, ready to support a wide range of activities for people of all ages. It’s the latest success story for our libraries modernisation programme, which is transforming library buildings and services across the borough.”
Howard Cockcroft of The Friends of Padgate Library, said: “We are thrilled that Padgate Library is reopening after this major investment and redevelopment and look forward to welcoming the community through the doors to enjoy the range of services and activities on offer. The library is an example of how partnership working can reap worthwhile rewards and we would like to thank LiveWire staff for all their hard work on the project and WBC for the investment.”
Great Sankey, Orford Jubilee and Woolston Neighbourhood Hubs, Birchwood, Burtonwood, Culcheth, Lymm, Penketh and Stockton Heath libraries are open for browsing and pre-booked computer access. The Warrington Library building in the town centre is currently closed for renovation works but a temporary pop-up museum & library can be found within Golden Square Shopping Centre.
For customers not able to return to libraries in person, LiveWire offer an Order and Collect, and Home Library Service.
For more information on LiveWire’s libraries please visit: https://livewirewarrington.co.uk/library/using-livewire-libraries
