WARRINGTON’S historic central library – the first rate supported public library in the country – is set to get a major make over which will result in its closure for an estimated five months.
The face lift for the library which first opened in May 1848 as a Library and Museum, will improve the whole library
experience for visitors.
Council planners recently approved the £200,000 refurbishment scheme which plans to improve current services, while maximising the Victorian features of the building.
Users of the service can feel reassured that, as the library is Grade 2 listed building, the plans don’t include any major structural changes to the historic building.
The aim of the project includes:
- Improved spaces for children and young people · Better shelving for books, CDs, DVDs and material for local and family history research
- More comfortable areas for quiet study and reading
- A modern, open and inviting entrance
- New reception counter and flooring
- Improved computer access
The library will be closed for refurbishment between October 2008 and February 2009, during which time library services are being temporarily relocated upstairs into the museum.
Borrowers will automatically get an extra week when the library is closed completely from 29th September – 4th October to avoid overdue charges.
The temporary service will help ensure that visitors to the library are not inconvenienced too much while we make these improvements. Library opening times will temporarily be affected as follows Monday to Friday, 9am-4.30pm and Saturday 9.30am-4pm
Access to the museum will not be affected and its opening times will remain the same. 
Coun Roy Smith, (pictured) Executive Board member for community services, said: “This is great news for the library and its members.
The refurbishment should make using the library a much more enjoyable experience in comfortable surroundings and we will be able to improve services including increasing the numbers of computers in the IT suite.
“By moving services upstairs temporarily, we hope that people aren’t put out too much and will bear with us as we carry out the refurbishment.”
Don’t forget if you are a member of one library you are a member of all 13 libraries so Warrington Central Library users are free to use any of the other libraries across the borough.
Further info about the refurbishment and opening hours are available from Warrington Library during office hours on 01925 442733.
