Rawtenstall Library set to close for next phase of refurbishment
Rawtenstall Library will temporarily close later this month as work moves into the next stage of its refurbishment.
The library’s final day of opening will be Wednesday 24 June, closing at 5pm, ahead of work to the ground floor.
Work to the roof and upper floors is already underway and progressing as planned, helping to protect the long-term future of the Grade II listed building.
The second phase will involve significant work to the ground floor, including the careful restoration of the original parquet flooring. As the building is a Grade II listed Carnegie library, the original flooring must be carefully removed, treated and reinstated as part of this specialist and time‑intensive process.
Due to the scale and complexity of the work, the library will need to close completely for up to 14 weeks while this phase is carried out. The library is expected to reopen in the autumn, subject to progress on site.
Cllr Ella Worthington, cabinet member for Civic Pride, said:
“The refurbishment of Rawtenstall Library is progressing well, and this next phase is an important step in restoring key features of the building and securing its future.
“We recognise that a temporary closure will be inconvenient for some customers, and we would like to thank people for their patience while this work is carried out.
“We’ve put a range of alternative options in place to make sure people can continue to access library services locally.”
During the closure, customers will still be able to access library services locally. The nearest alternative libraries are Haslingden, Bacup and Whitworth, and Lancashire County Council’s mobile library service will also be available to support residents who are unable to travel.
A temporary outreach offer will also be available from The Rawtenstall Family Hub and The Zone (Old Fire Station, Burnley Road), starting from Friday 26 June. During these sessions, customers will be able to borrow a selection of books, collect reservations, return and renew items, join the library, and take part in regular activities and events.
Sessions will run:
- Tuesday: 9am–1pm (including Storytime and Writing Group)
• Friday: 9am–5pm (including Baby Bounce and Knit and Natter)
• Saturday: 9am–1pm (children’s activities)
All items currently on loan from Rawtenstall Library will be automatically extended until later in the year, and fines will be waived during the closure. Customers can also continue to use any Lancashire library or access services online.
Customers are encouraged to check for updates online and in branch ahead of the closure, where QR codes and further information will be available.
For more information and to find your nearest library, visit: Find a library - Lancashire County Council
Customers can find out more about the mobile library service, including routes and timetables, here: View mobile library service