Exciting family day celebrates grand opening of brand-new library

Following its grand opening on Friday 19th January, which offers a peaceful atmosphere for visitors, the family event on Saturday 20th January promises to be a much livelier affair.

Open from 11am until 3pm, the entire venue will be filled with an array of enjoyable activities for all family members.

Visitors can expect:

• A visit from Lofty the Lion, accompanied by BWFC in the Community
• A lively disco organised by Things That Go On Things
• Storytelling sessions by Octagon
• Performances by Awkward Tree Youth Theatre
• Drop-in printing workshops
• An opportunity to discover more about family history with the Bolton Family History Group
• Sessions for children to delve into the history of Bolton with History Explorers
• AI drop-in sessions with Computer Explorers

The grand reopening follows a closure of over a year, during which a multi-million-pound renovation, funded by the government’s Towns Fund, has been taking place.

This weekend, guests will have the chance to immerse themselves in the expanded children’s area, improved social spaces, updated digital facilities, and the brand-new Café Crescent.

The newly designed space aims to reflect the changing ways in which communities utilize their local libraries, with a greater focus on reading, creativity, and digital inclusion.

The design of the library prioritizes the needs of its customers, including:

• Digital facilities
• Education and employment information
• Cultural and creative activities
• Health and wellbeing
• Signposting to other organizations

The addition of a new mezzanine floor provides a welcoming space for various local community and wellbeing groups, as well as other visiting groups.

A dedicated children and young people’s library area has been created, divided into three sections for different age groups.

The council collaborated with students from the University of Bolton’s special effects department to create special models for the new children’s library, featuring beloved characters such as Paddington Bear and The Hungry Caterpillar.

Support is also being provided for small businesses in the Build A Business area, which will host workshops, events, and one-to-one advice sessions to assist new businesses and entrepreneurs.

Cllr Nadeem Ayub, Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Culture, expressed his delight, stating:

“I’m thrilled that we are finally ready to open the wonderfully renovated central library, after a year of planning and hard work.

“It is crucial that we support local residents and provide accessible services for everyone, creating more opportunities and enhancing their quality of life.

“The new library serves as the perfect central hub for students, residents, visitors, and new businesses, offering innovative facilities and a new café to enjoy.”

The building upgrade will better cater to the needs of those living, working, studying, and visiting Bolton.

For further updates and a schedule of activities, please visit www.boltonlams.co.uk or follow Bolton Library and Museum Services on social media.

The renovation of Central Library has been funded by the government’s Towns Fund, which has also supported the extension of Bolton Market’s food hall, the creation of Elizabeth Park, major improvements to Ashburner Street, and the ongoing conversion of the Wellsprings office building into an innovation hub for start-up businesses.

Together with the development of Moor Lane, this area of Bolton is undergoing a complete transformation as part of the council’s broader plan to regenerate the town centre and make it a vibrant and appealing place to live, work, and visit.