MUSIC and song will raise the roof at Bolton library to celebrate a chapter in its history.

Bolton Central Library is holding a party on Saturday (March 17) to mark its refurbishment — and visitors will be encouraged to make as much noise as possible.

The Raise the Roof event marks the end of restoration work to the library’s glass roof, which was undertaken as part of the council’s £3.8 million new Egyptology project.

The museum is due to reopen later this year — and during the event visitors will be given the first glimpse into Bolton’s Egypt, the new Egyptology gallery, with an interactive journey to the afterlife.

To celebrate there will be family entertainment including musical performances, craft activities, singing and interactive storytelling, from noon until 4pm.

Scaffolding was erected to the Le Mans Crescent building last September and a large part of the library floor was sectioned off to allow essential work on the roof of the library and museum building.

Contractor Willmott Dixon is due to remove all the scaffolding and hoardings on the library floor by Friday, (March 16) — providing an an opportunity for a celebration event before the library is temporarily closed in order to restock the shelves with books. The library will be closed on Saturday, March 24, Sunday, March 25 and Monday, March 26 so staff can reinstate around 25,000 books.

Saturday's (March 16) celebrations will start with a lone piper from Bolton Caledonia Pipe Band at noon.

There will be performances from Kadenza Women’s Choir, Bolton Ukelele Group, and Coppull and Standish Brass Band.

There will also be interactive storytelling with The Rainbow Bird, including stories, songs, dance and music for younger visitors.

In addition, visitors will be given a glimpse into Bolton’s Egypt – the new Egyptology gallery – with an interactive journey to the afterlife.

Children’s craft activities will also take place throughout the library all afternoon.

Bolton Council’s Cabinet Member of Culture, Youth and Sport, Cllr John Byrne, said: "The new roof has been fitted with 120 new glass panels and this will enable natural light to flood into the building through internal glazing.

"It’s a fantastic space and before we reinstall the book shelves we thought it would be a great idea to hold an event so everyone could celebrate the new-look library.

"It’s a chance for people to enjoy the entertainment on offer and I’m hoping we can raise the roof in style.”