CULCHETH Library is set for new extended opening hours in the New Year.

The Warrington Road library is currently closed on Fridays, but will now have opening hours of 11am to 5pm every Friday from January 4.

Livewire, which runs the town’s libraries, has taken the decision to introduce Friday openings in partnership with the Friends of Culcheth Library.

Managing director Emma Hutchinson said: “We hope Culcheth Library users will welcome the extension of the opening hours and really see a benefit from the library being open on Fridays from January, which we feel is a really exciting development for the site.

“The extended opening hours are testament to the great work being done by the staff at the library to deliver the services on offer there, as well as the dedicated contribution to the promotion of the library by the friends group.

“As such I’d like to thank the friends for their sterling work promoting Culcheth Library and supporting library staff.”

Culcheth Library opens from 2pm to 5pm on Mondays, 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm on Tuesdays, 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm on Thursdays and 9.30am to 1pm on Saturdays – but remains closed on Wednesdays and Sundays.

The Friends of Culcheth Library group was formed 18 months ago, and has since hosted popular clubs and events including games and jigsaws, murder mysteries and children’s reading challenges.

Janet Evans from the Friends of Culcheth Library added: “This is really good news for the library.

“We feel Friday opening will be better for families, for older people and for anyone who would like to get books out ahead of the weekend.

“But libraries are not just about books – we offer Lego, crafts, jigsaws and so much more.

“The friends have worked really hard to help grow the library, and we look forward to the future and Friday opening.”