Rawtenstall Library will temporarily close later this month as work moves into the next stage of its refurbishment.

The library’s final day of opening will be Wednesday 24 June, closing at 5pm, ahead of work to the ground floor. The second phase will involve significant work to the ground floor, including the careful restoration of the original parquet flooring. Due to the scale and complexity of the work, the library will need to close completely for up to 14 weeks while this phase is carried out. The library is expected to reopen in the autumn, subject to progress on site.

During the closure, customers will still be able to access library services locally. The nearest alternative libraries are Haslingden, Bacup and Whitworth, and Lancashire County Council’s mobile library service will also be available to support residents who are unable to travel.

A temporary outreach offer will also be available from The Rawtenstall Family Hub and The Zone (Old Fire Station, Burnley Road), starting from Friday 26 June. During these sessions, customers will be able to borrow a selection of books, collect reservations, return and renew items, join the library, and take part in some regular activities and events.

Sessions will run:

• Tuesday: 9am–1pm (including Storytime and Writing Group)
• Friday: 9am–5pm (including Baby Bounce and Knit and Natter)
• Saturday: 9am–1pm (children’s activities)

All items currently on loan from Rawtenstall Library will be automatically extended until later in the year, and fines will be waived during the closure.

During the closure there will be no access to the local history collections.

We apologise for any inconvenience this will cause.

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