THE reopening of an historic library to the public following a £1.5 million refurbishment has been hailed as a "fantastic milestone".
Tyldesley Library, located on Stanley Street in Wigan Borough, is one of the original Carnegie libraries and has long been a valued part of the community.
Councillor Chris Ready, Wigan Council’s cabinet portfolio holder for neighbourhoods and communities, said: "The reopening of Tyldesley Library is a fantastic milestone for the community and everybody who has been involved in this project.
"The library services moved to Tyldesley Town Hall back in 2020, and I am really proud that over the last five years we have been able to carry out vital works to this building and now bring it back into use.
"The building is a historic Carnegie library and its significance in the community can’t be understated.
"Unfortunately, in recent years, we have seen libraries close to the public due to pressures on local government funding.
"However, here in Wigan borough, we're proud to have maintained our fantastic library network – working alongside our community partners."
Library services were temporarily relocated to Tyldesley Town Hall in 2020 due to the need for essential repairs.
After a public consultation that received more than 250 responses, the decision was made to restore the Stanley Street building rather than make the move permanent.
The library, which first opened in 1909, was among the earliest Carnegie Libraries in England and was awarded Grade II listed status in 2023 following a recommendation by Historic England.
Following the refurbishment, all library services have now moved back from Tyldesley Town Hall to the original site.
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The upgraded library offers a wide selection of books, as well as computers, printers, internet access, workspaces, and quiet corners.
It also features function rooms and flexible spaces for community groups and local businesses, which can be used out of hours.
Upstairs, the Cotton Room and Colliery Suite can now be booked as wedding suites for up to 60 guests, making Tyldesley Library the first in the borough to offer this service.
An accessible ramp is also set to be installed at the entrance in the new year.
Councillor Ready said: "The facilities inside the new-look library look fantastic so please come and visit to ensure that the building can continue to be enjoyed by generations to come."
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