Preston's all new Savick Library is now open

The custom-built library is part of Community Gateway Association's regeneration project for the area, and is the first new library to open in Lancashire in a decade.

Based at the same location of the former Savick Library, which closed in 2020 before being demolished, the new library is being by run by Lancashire County Council's library service to primarily serve the people of Ashton-on-Ribble.

The new library features a vast collection of books, digital media, and educational resources, and is equipped with free WiFi, comfortable reading areas and a paid for printing service.

Members of the community were invited to the library on Monday morning to mark its official opening. 

A special plaque was unveiled by Councillor Peter Buckley, cabinet member for Community and Cultural Services, and Councillor Alf Clempson, Vice Chairman of the county council.

A number of dignitaries were also in attendance, including the Mayor of Preston, local councillors, members of the local Friends group and representatives from Community Gateway Association (CGA), Preston’s largest social housing landlord.

The shelves are fully stocked ready for Christmas

Councillor Peter Buckley, cabinet member for Community and Cultural Services, said:

“We are thrilled to open the doors of the new Savick Library to the community.

“Our intention is for the new library to be more than just a place to borrow books.

"We want it to be a vibrant community hub where people of all ages can come together to learn, connect, and grow.

"We're really proud of our library offer in Lancashire and we are committed to fostering our community by providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone.”

Louise Mattinson, Executive Director of Customers & Communities, Community Gateway Association, said:

"We're delighted to see the opening of this fantastic building today, a project that's been a number of years in the making, working with the local community and our partners.

"As a community-based landlord we are committed to not only providing new homes for people, but also developing great communities, and we are confident that this building along with the new general convenience store next door will be a great hub for the community for many years to come."

Councillors Alf Clempson and Peter Buckley outside the new library

Local residents are invited to visit the new library and take advantage of its many offerings.

The library will be running a range of weekly and special events for children and adults including weekly Baby Bounce and Rhyme sessions; story time; 'Get online at your library' sessions; Craft and Chat and Lego Club, as well as being one of Lancashire's warm spaces.

Savick Library will also be offering a Home Library Service, reading groups, Lancashire Adult Learning sessions and various one-off events throughout the year to promote reading for pleasure, literacy and digital inclusion.

In the run up to Christmas the library will have a fun themed scavenger hunt for children and a special Christmas themed Bounce & Rhyme time.

For more information about Savick Library and to see what's on, visit: Savick Library - Lancashire County Council