Library services in Little Lever are moving to the brand-new £5m Health Centre and Library building on the former Tesco Metro site on Foundry Street.
The old library on Coronation Square will close at the end of the day on February 19 as staff transfer resources to the new building ready for the public opening on Monday, February 28.
A series of events will take place to welcome the public to the new library.
- Monday, Feb 28 11am to 2pm: A tea party with a chance to look around the new facilities, enjoy light refreshments and meet the staff.
- Thursday, March 3 10.30am: A Special Toddler Tales event for World Book day and everyone is encouraged to come dressed as their favourite book character.
- Saturday, March 5 10.30am to 4pm: Storytelling, crafts, entertainment and opportunities for people to share their memories of the old library and suggest ideas for events for the new one.
The library offers a wide range of computers and training for people to get online alongside books, magazines, and audio-visual resources.
Plus, there is space for local groups to meet and enjoy activities.
Once fully open, Little Lever Health Centre and Library will also host a number of GP practices and health services.
The £5m project, which was funded by Bolton Council and the NHS, was completed in December 2021 and has been undergoing interior fitting ready for staff and public use.
The building has achieved BREEAM “very good” status, underlining the council’s commitment to energy efficiency and tackling climate change.
Bolton Council Deputy Leader, Cllr Hilary Fairclough, said:
“This is a significant investment in Little Lever and the surrounding area, and we are delighted to welcome local residents to get their first look at this excellent facility.
“The new building is a timely replacement for the much loved but outdated library and provides a modern, comfortable and accessible place for the community to use.
“The building is a testament to the benefits of working in partnership to deliver local education opportunities and promote positive physical health and mental wellbeing.”
Executive Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Cllr Adele Warren, said:
“This new facility highlights our commitment to investing in the regeneration of our district centres across the borough.
“It will allow Little Lever residents to access quality library resources, health services and community opportunities right on their doorstep.
“I am also pleased to see features such as PV roof panels and electric vehicle charging points as we aim to make council operations net zero carbon by 2030.”
A second phase will see the doctors’ practices at the Health Centre open later in the year.
The building will be the new home for three GP practices, providing modern medical assessment rooms, facilities and state of the art equipment that best supports the needs of patients in treating short and long-term conditions.