A DISTINCTIVE Halliwell landmark is on the move later this month with plans to re-locate the library.

The library in Hatfield Road closed on Saturday and is due to re-open later this month at the new site of Oxford Grove Primary School in nearby Shepherd Cross Street.

Halliwell's old library, which has been used by the public since 1910 and is well-known for its stained-glass window of Shakespeare and Milton, is all set to become a community facility and is likely to be used by several groups.

The new library will serve both the community and school and the valuable Library Link Service, which delivers books to housebound readers throughout Bolton, is also going to operate from the modern building.

A nursery, after-school club and community room are also be housed at the new complex and it is hoped the site will become a lively focus for the area.

The modern library will be fully computerised and include an on-line library catalogue listing all the items in the town's libraries.

CDs and spoken word recordings will be available to borrow as well plenty of new books for adults and youngsters.

Computer facilities will include CD roms, an on-line local information database and public word-processing.

Early next year those using the new library will have the chance to share their views on what hours the library should open.

It is hoped the library will officially open for business at the end of this month and in the meantime Halliwell readers should use other libraries in Bolton.