A library closed for more than a year has reopened to the public,

Lostock Hall library is the latest to open its doors once more.

Lancashire County Council is embarking on a reopening programme of libraries shut during the previous Labour administration.

The library in Watkin Lane was closed in late November 2016 and the Conservative group, which won power at County Hall in May last year, vowed to reopen libraries.

On Monday (12 February) the Lostock Hall library was back open to the public.

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County councillor for the area Jim Marsh said: “One of the reasons that people value their local library so highly is because it’s within easy reach, offering access to vital information and services without the need to travel elsewhere.

“This is particularly important for people with limited mobility, anyone who doesn’t have internet access at home, or for busy families who use their local library to research children’s homework.

“People in Lostock Hall have been really looking forward to getting their library back, and I’m very pleased to be reopening it today.”

The reopening of Lostock Hall follows Fulwood library reopening in December last year.

Cabinet member for economic development, planning and environment county councillor Michael Green said: “In an age when access to information is so important to people’s daily lives, local libraries are a really vital service. They also perform an important social role, being a place where people of all ages can meet, share interests, and find out about local events.

“Today’s event highlighted the benefits of reading throughout your life, and particularly why parents and children reading together can be so important to a child’s development. Modern libraries offer so many different things, but being able to access all kinds of interesting books is still the reason why most people visit them.

“We’re committed to reopening libraries and today marks a real milestone in our programme of reopening libraries across Lancashire, being the tenth to reopen.”

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Opening times for the Lostock Hall library are:
Monday – 9am to 5pm
Tuesday – 9am to 1pm
Wednesday – 9am to 7pm
Thursday – 9am to 5pm
Friday – 9am to 5pm
Saturday – 9am to 1pm
Sunday – Closed

Will you be using Lostock Hall library? What do you think of the refit? Let us know in the comments below