Library events disrupted during £400k renovations

3 hours ago

Federica BedendoNorth East and Cumbria

News image — Some events will be moved to neighbouring libraries and other council buildings during refurbishment

Google Barrow Library, partially obscured by a row of trees. It is an imposing building in grey stone. The entrance is flanked by two pillars with a large window over the central doors. The windows on either side of the entrance carry colourful posters featuring promotional material. — Some events will be moved to neighbouring libraries and other council buildings during refurbishment

Building work on a Grade II-listed library is expected to bring some disruption to users, with events moving to different venues during six months of renovations.

Barrow Library will undergo a £400,000 refurbishment to its roof, sash windows, cast-iron guttering and insulation from 1 October to spring 2027.

While the library is expected to remain open during the works, Westmorland and Furness Council have cautioned some events will have to be moved to other libraries or council buildings and warned of "intermittent noise".

Helen Chaffey, cabinet member for communities at the LibDem-led council, said the work would ensure the building "remains watertight for years to come".

"The improved insulation will mean a saving for the council tax-payer in reduced running costs going forward, and means the building will be greener, with reduced carbon emissions," said Chaffey.

The library has a sign dating the building to 1915, but the council clarified World War One had delayed its construction, meaning the library ultimately opened in 1922.

The lecture room was converted into a museum in approximately 1930, according to Historic England.

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