BIRKENHEAD’S historic library has been saved after senior councillors managed to squeeze £250,000 out of authority funds to repair its roof.

Most of the library was closed off to visitors in June after a skylight collapsed and much of the building was deemed unsafe.

The future of the library was in doubt because of the cost of repairs at a time when the council is planning significant cuts to meet a projected budget deficit of £60m over the next three years.

But yesterday cabinet member for cultural services, Cllr Bob Moon, said the repair work to bring the library back into use would be put out to tender.

He said: “The roof had fallen in and is a health and safety issue which is why we had to shut a large part of the library.”

The repair work to the skylights was estimated at £200,000 with other repairs necessary to the roof to make it safe.

A council spokesman said last night they hope to see it re-open early in the New Year.

Cllr Moon told the Daily Post: “The final decision on the expenditure will be made in cabinet this month, but we hope to put out for tenders before that.

“The library service in Birkenhead has been depleted for a while now.

Local councillor Pat Williams said: “Quite clearly, this building is very much appreciated and valued by not only the residents of Birkenhead, but also those who live in other parts of Wirral.”

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A review of the borough’s library service and 24 libraries has been taking place this year and many have feared Birkenhead could be one of those at risk.

The building closed in the summer after a skylight collapsed into the main reading room.

An inspection showed all 10 skylights were in a dangerous condition, and the main reading room has not re-opened since.