A new temporary library is now up and running in Crompton Place as renovations take place at its permanent home in Le Mans Crescent.
And reviews have been positive.
The central library is undergoing a multi-million pound revamp, with plans including a cafe.
The new roomy and versatile space – the former New Look shop - is accessible from Hotel Street, just down from Lloyds Bank, as well as from inside the shopping centre.
Contained within the temporary site are all the same services resident have come to expect from the library.
Rob Hetherington, the library's small business advisor, said: “Footfall has certainly increased.
“We have somebody greeting people at the Le Mans Crescent, informing people who might not know we’ve moved.
“On the whole we’ve had really, really positive reactions to this very versatile space.
“With the high ceilings the sound is deadened, so it lends itself to being a library.”
Rob offers free accountancy advice alongside Dr Mohammed Sadiq from the entrepreneurship centre at the University of Bolton, and Farook Atcha, from Business Bolton.
They are there every third Thursday of each month between 10am and 2.30pm during term time.
Rob added: “It doesn’t have to be about business – it could be personal taxation or person accountancy. Anything.”
Borough deputy leader Cllr Hilary Fairclough, said: “The libraries team has done an outstanding job creating this temporary space in Crompton Place while work is carried out at Central Library.
“Residents can expect the same great service at a convenient town centre location.
“I encourage everyone to pay a visit and I am greatly looking forward to seeing the new and improved Central Library once the renovations are complete.”
This site at Le Mans Crescent is undergoing a ‘spectacular’ £3.7m redevelopment, which is expected to take around 12 months to complete.
First look at how Bolton library will look after spectacular £3.7m revamp
The council has revealed the concept images of the new building last week, and the refurbishment will include a café, expansion and upgrade of the children’s area, improved social spaces, updated digital facilities and the addition of a mezzanine floor.
If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at lewis.finney@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @lewisfinney18
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