Little Lever Library relocates to new £5 million hub

For the village library is moving into a new £5m home.

The library is relocating in the new health centre and library building on the former Tesco Metro site on Foundry Street.

The old library on Coronation Square will close at the end of the day on Saturday as staff transfer resources to the new building ready for the public opening on Monday, February 28.

The new modern library has computers and training for people to get online alongside books, magazines, and audio-visual resources.

There is also a space for local groups to meet and enjoy activities.

A series of events will take place to welcome the public to the new library.

On Monday a tea party will be staged from 11am to 2pm to which all are invited to have a look at their new library.

On Thursday, March 3 a special toddler tales event will take place to celebrate World Book Day, with visitors encourage to come dressed as their favourite book character. The event takes place form 10.30am. Saturday, March 5, will see a storytelling, crafts and entertainment session. And people are invited to share their memories of the old library and suggest events for the new site.

The library offers a wide range of computers and training for people to get online alongside books, magazines, and audio-visual resources.

Ward councillor Sean Hornby in new Little Lever Health Centre and Library

Plus, there is space for local groups to meet and enjoy activities.

Once fully open, Little Lever Health Centre and Library will also host a number of GP practices and health services.

The £5m project, which was funded by Bolton Council and the NHS, was completed in December 2021 and has been undergoing interior fitting ready for staff and public use.

The building has achieved BREEAM “very good” status, underlining the council’s commitment to energy efficiency and tackling climate change.

Council deputy leader, Cllr Hilary Fairclough, said: “This is a significant investment in Little Lever and the surrounding area, and we are delighted to welcome local residents to get their first look at this excellent facility.

“The new building is a timely replacement for the much loved but outdated library and provides a modern, comfortable and accessible place for the community to use.

“The building is a testament to the benefits of working in partnership to deliver local education opportunities and promote positive physical health and mental wellbeing.”

Cllr Adele Warren, regeneration cabinet member, added: “This new facility highlights our commitment to investing in the regeneration of our district centres across the borough.

“It will allow Little Lever residents to access quality library resources, health services and community opportunities right on their doorstep.

“I am also pleased to see features such as PV roof panels and electric vehicle charging points as we aim to make council operations net zero carbon by 2030.”

A second phase will see the doctors’ practices at the health centre open later in the year.

The building will be the new home for three GP practices, providing modern medical assessment rooms, facilities and state of the art equipment that best supports the needs of patients in treating short and long-term conditions.