WORK to refurbish Penketh Library will start later this month, with the building closing for 10 weeks.

The building, on Honiton Way, is the latest to get a boost from the council’s library modernisation programme.

It will get a £120,000 redevelopment including the renovation of the library frontage, repair to the external woodwork and improvement to the internal decoration and shelving.

The revamp will also provide more flexibility of inside space, including the new Jane Forshaw Community Room – named after a library supporter and activist who was instrumental in forming and leading the Friends of Penketh Library before she died in 2019.

The library will be temporarily closed from July 23 for approximately 10 weeks, according to LiveWire which runs the service, so users can visit Westbrook Library and Great Sankey Neighbourhood Hub or via LiveWire’s online resource.

Rachel Ralston, strategic library manager at LiveWire, said: “We’re looking forward to a new improved library at Penketh. To help customers during the closure we’re increasing the maximum allowance from 10 to 20 items, and we’re extending the return time to December 1.”

Cllr Tony Higgins, council cabinet member for leisure and community, said: “I’m delighted that the improvement works at Penketh Library are getting under way. The new-look library will bring real benefits to local people, providing a welcoming, attractive and flexible space for people of all ages to enjoy.

“This investment is the latest part of our Libraries Modernisation Programme, which is driving up the quality of libraries across the borough, so that they continue to meet the needs and choices of our communities.”