Historic library to get £1.3m makeover

Oct 30 2007 by David Higgerson, Liverpool Daily Post

AN HISTORIC Liver-pool library is to get a £1.3m makeover after Lottery funding was secured.

The city council has successfully bid for the cash to transform Toxteth Library so that it can offer a broader range of activities to the local community.

The library, on Windsor Street, was opened in 1902 and attracts over 1,000 people a week, but its facilities badly need updating.

The money will be spent on creating study areas, meeting rooms, exhibition space, community space, toilets, baby changing facilities, a refreshment area and a performance space.

Cllr Colin Eldridge, executive member for leisure at Liverpool City Council, said: “This is fantastic news for the community in Toxteth.

“We will be able to completely refurbish the building and involve local people in creating a centre all communities will be proud of.”

A new learning programme will also be established including reading groups, homework sessions, IT training, skills for life and English for speakers of other languages.

Helen Bullough, Big Lottery Fund Head of Region for the North West, said: “The new facilities will act as a focal point.”