Visitors flocked to Bolton town centre on Saturday to celebrate the opening of the towns much-loved Central Library.
After being closed and re-located to the Crompton Place Shopping Centre during a £4.43m renovation, residents couldn’t wait to get back and make use of the brand-new facilities.
Guests joined in with many activities including the Compact Disco, Octagon story telling sessions, History Explorers sessions and also got to meet Lofty the Lion.
It was a hit with local booklovers, and shelves were left bare as hundreds of books were borrowed by delighted customers.
Thanks to funding from the governments Towns Fund, the new library is host to an expanded children’s area, improved social spaces, updated digital facilities and the brand-new Café Crescent.
Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Culture, Cllr Nadeem Ayub, said:
“I am extremely impressed with the new Central Library and the innovative new spaces in this wonderful, cultural building.
“Having such a diverse offer right in the heart of the town will open up lots of opportunities for people from all walks of life and provide the support needed to help them live a happy and healthy life.”
Bolton Council’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Akhtar Zaman, said:
“The newly renovated Central Library is a spectacular space that will not only attract people to the centre, but also be a valuable resource for residents moving into our new residential developments.
“With Moor Lane just a short walk away, alongside a transformed market, the new Elizabeth Park, and the upcoming Wellsprings innovation hub, this is a very exciting time for this area of Bolton.”
The building upgrade will better meet the needs of more people who live, work, study and visit Bolton.
All borrowed books can be returned to any library across Bolton.
For more updates and programme of activities visit www.boltonlams.co.uk or follow Bolton Library and Museum Services on socials.