Libraries and leisure services to team up in plans for Great Sankey hub

Members of the libraries working group looked at plans to develop a sustainable service across the town by encouraging leisure centre customers who do not usually read to browse the shelves.

Plans include putting self-help books near healthcare rooms and diet and exercise books near the fitness studios.

At Great Sankey the library will offer around 4,000 books and will be built close to the hub cafe, with space for a range of reading activities.

The vision also includes a computer zone and digital information stands to give customers book recommendations.

The library at the new Bewsey and Dallam hub will be similar but smaller and an artist’s impression will soon be created as part of the project.

Warrington Borough Council chief executive and chair of the working group Steven Broomhead said: “The work of the group is progressing very well and this was another productive meeting.

“It was extremely useful to look at these plans, as they illustrate how creative, integrated library provision can bring real benefits and enable us to make best use of our resources.

“Of course, not all libraries can be part of large-scale hubs.

“However, the principle of delivering a number of services under one roof to make it easier for people to access a range of libraries, leisure, health and community services is certainly one that we should continue to explore, as we seek to deliver a sustainable future for our libraries.”

The next meeting of the working group is on May 24 at Culcheth Library and future sessions will be held at other libraries across the town.

Stockton Heath Library’s working group is also appealing for help to secure its future.

Residents are searching for a not-for-profit organisation to share the building with them and the rent would go towards keeping the library up and running. Anyone interested in teaming up with the library can email Cllr Sharon Harris at cllrsharon.harris@warrington.gov.uk.