THE NEXT CHAPTER
THE NEXT CHAPTER In September 2016 Lancashire County Council announced the closure of approximately 29 libraries across the county, reducing the total count from 73 to 44. This is the latest phase of a ÂŁ262 million cost saving programme. This Chap book, by Ian Smith, documents a selection of these libraries during November 2016. The detail includes photographs of libraries that have closed, some that are being saved by the community, and how they are working for the future of the community to keep the libraries open. The list below shows the locations where the cuts will fall. Some locations are already closed, (C). Bamber Bridge Lytham (C) Penwortham (C) Fulwood (C) Briercliffe Adlington Coppull Eccleston Rosegrove Barrowfold Trawden Clayton-le-Moors Oswaldtwistle Rishton Whalley Read
Lytham closed very soon after the council decision in September 2016. A historic building, dating back to Victorian times
A contemporary sign welcomes the community through the door of Adlington library. This location has received an 18 month life line from Chorley BC. Now the community are working very hard to raise funds for a longer existence.
The majestic Victorian building that used to house
This majestic Victorian building used to house Lytham library. BuiltThe by public The rear of Lytham library. rearsubscription. of the building is still the building stillother in usemembers by sectionsof of the the community. being usedisby community.
Penwortham library, near Preston styled in a simple Art Deco mode. Stylish detail in the exterior lighting, doors and brick work, are a sorry loss to the community now it is closed. Rumours abound about the possibility of the building being turned into a local museum.
Adlington library is the focal point for many local services: Adlington library•is4 in the focal point of many local primary schools Services • A play center 4 primary school • An NHS clinic A play center An• Bust NHS stops clinic stops •Bus 2 churches churches • A2railway station
Main line railway station
(above) As can be seen from the plaque, these libraries (Above) The plaque from Fulwood library are in the region of 80 years old.
(On the left), Art Deco detail from Penwortham library (on the left) Art Deco detail from Penwortham library.
Coppull library is benefiting from a very active local community.
A civic Blue Plaque The on Blue the outside of the erected theplaque outsideerected wall ofon Lytham library wall marks Lytham of library marks the need success the success the increasing for aoflibrary
professional bodies need for a library in Victorian in Victorian times. times.
Kim (above), and other volunteers pushing for a brighter future at Adlington Library.
Image supplied by caroline hesketh
All levels of the community are playing their part to save local libraries. Image supplied by caroline hesketh
Caroline Hesketh along with other volunteers have worked long and hard to preserve a library in Adlington. At a recent coffee morning to raise funds to extend the life of the library, Caroline said that “The monies from Chorley Borough Council to fund the library till 2018 are an absolute life-line.�
Thanks go to the following for helping me complete this documentary on the subject of their libraries Kim in Adlington Nicola in Copull Jo & Ruby Cleary in Adlington Andrea Barnard in Adlington Diane Chadwick in Adlington Caroline Hesketh in Adlington Produced by Ian Smith December 2016 ian.smith@safercycling.co.uk