Bolton Central Library will re-open in just one week’s time with a café launch.

The library has been closed since September 2022 for a £3.7 million refurbishment.

Images previously released by Bolton Council show the spectacular effect the works have had on the floors, before shelves, books and library equipment have been reinstalled.

The £3.7m works have been taking place over this year and much of last and are intended to form a key part of the town centre’s cultural offering.

Now, the library is almost ready to open in a week’s time.

In a Facebook post, a spokesman for the library said: “Fantastic Friday news - Just one week until the new Bolton Central Library and Café Crescent opens!

The Bolton News: Excitement has been building about the reopening

“The new café within Bolton Central Library will be unveiled on Friday 19 January, when the newly renovated library opens its doors once again.

“Located on Le Mans Crescent, the aptly named Café Crescent will be run by David Bellis who runs Turton Tower Woodland Cafe.

“On the menu there’ll be a feast of exceptional high-quality snacks, meals, ice creams, hot/cold drinks, cakes, afternoon teas and confectionery at a reasonable price and with many ingredients sourced from Bolton.

“Café Crescent will feel like it’s a real treat and will be great for our visitors to the library, museum and aquarium.

 

“Join us to celebrate the opening of the new library and café with a family fun day on Saturday 20 January from 11am – 3pm.”

The redevelopment work was made possible after Bolton was awarded a slice of funding from the government’s “town’s fund”, which was intended to finance the redevelopment of town centres around the county.

Cllr Nadeem Ayub, Bolton Council cabinet member for culture, previously said: “We’re very excited to see how work has been progressing and we’re all looking forward to the official opening as well.”

“We hope soon to welcome back old members, new members and people of all ages to enjoy the new, improved library.”

The new mezzanine floor provides a welcoming space for a variety of local community and wellbeing groups and for other groups who visit and wish to use the building.

A new children and young people’s library space has been created and split into three areas for young people of different ages.

With a section for under-fives including dedicated areas for play and exploration, the second and third spaces will be for older children and young people.