Garstang Library is set to shut to the public on Tuesday, 12 October for essential maintenance work, and to make the building more environmentally friendly.

The work, which will reduce the library’s CO2 emissions by eight tonnes per year, will include upgrading the traditional lighting to LEDs, installing an air source heat pump to replace the dated electric heating and fitting solar panels to the roof.

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Garstang Library will remain closed until the green improvements are complete in early January 2022.

Books can be returned to any other Lancashire Library, renewed in person, by phone, or online during this time.

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Poulton and Lancaster are the nearest alternative libraries for Garstang customers.

Fines for overdue loans from Garstang library will be waived while the buildings are shut.

County Councillor Peter Buckley, cabinet member for community and cultural services, said: “We’re sorry for any inconvenience this may cause, but these are major improvements and the work can only be done safely while the buildings are closed to the public.

“People can use our excellent online library services, or a nearby alternative, while the work is completed.

“This Government-funded scheme will help us to improve Garstang and other libraries and make them more environmentally friendly. “

County Councillor Shaun Turner, cabinet member for environment and climate change, said: “Reducing our carbon footprint is absolutely crucial.

“We’re working hard to do all we can to reduce energy usage in our buildings and projects like the Garstang Library improvements are a key part of our plans.

“Making investments like this in our existing buildings and ensuring any future ones are greener will really have a positive impact on climate change as well as helping us to achieve carbon net zero.”

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