Following the recent temporary closure of Cleator Moor Library, Cumbria County Council is pleased to announce the opening of a pop-up library in the town square. The new pop-up library opened on Thursday 28 February.
The provision of the alternative premises is thanks to partnership working between the county council, the Phoenix Enterprise Centre and Cleator Moor Town Council to ensure this valuable community service is maintained. The public library is currently closed for repair works following damage to the ceiling of the Victorian building last week. This has left the public library building inaccessible due to safety reasons.
The pop-up library is conveniently located a short distance from the town square in premises kindly made available by the Phoenix Enterprise Centre. Cleator Moor Town Council has been hosting a book drop to ensure that library users who wish to return books are able to do so, and have also accommodated the very first meeting of the new Lego Club organised for local young people by library staff.
Cleator Moor Pop-Up Library opening times:
- Monday: 9am until 2pm
- Tuesday: 9am until 12pm, 1pm until 5pm
- Wednesday: closed
- Thursday: 9am until 12pm, 1pm until 5pm
- Friday: 9am until 2pm
Although containing a smaller selection of books than the existing library, the new pop-up library will still offer a wide selection of books and resources for all ages and interests. It will also provide new regular activities including the Lego Club – to encourage the design skills of local youngsters; Knit and Natter – where people can socialise and enjoy craft sessions; and Tech Time – which will help people get familiar and more confident using smartphones and tablets. All of these activities will be supported by the Cleator Moor Library team.
During the closure of the main library, Cumbria County Council will commit significant resources to replace the original ceiling, as well as undertake other improvement works, including replacing windows and heating systems. This will involve liaising with conservation experts to ensure this work is sensitive to the building’s listed building status.
Cllr Deborah Earl, Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet Member for Local Communities, said: “I am delighted to see that a pop-up library service will be available for the Cleator Moor community, and the introduction of new activities for all ages demonstrates the council’s commitment to libraries. It’s also a great example of partnership working between local organisations.
“Libraries are community hubs providing access to a huge range of resources, experiences and learning. Like all council services, government cuts have put financial pressure on libraries. The council has made every effort to manage this without affecting the service the public receives. This has been successful and Cumbria has avoided the wholesale closure of libraries that have occurred elsewhere in the country.”
The new pop-up library can be found here – Cleator Moor Pop-up Library, Unit 1a, Phoenix Court, Cragg Road, Cleator Moor, CA25 5PT.
