BACUP Library will reopen to the public today after a major refit with extended opening hours.

It closed in January for a total refurbishment including extensive internal redecoration of the St James Square building, with movable shelving fitted to allow for a wide range of community events.

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The existing computer suite has been relocated to the mezzanine floor and three computers will be stationed in the junior section, which will remain in its current position.

A disabled ramp has been fitted to the historic county council building, which is Grade-II listed and first opened as a Mechanics Institute in 1846.

There is also a new disabled toilet and baby change facilities and automatic doors.

The reopening to the public at 9.30am is on the original schedule.

The new extended opening hours will be Monday, 9.30am to 7pm; Tuesday and Wednesday, 9.30am to 5pm; Thursday, closed all day; Friday, 9.30am to 5pm; and Saturday, 9.30am to 4pm.

The library is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday lunchtimes.

The extended opening hours are as a result of a recent consultation asking library users about their preferred opening times, as part of the county council’s ongoing commitment to improve services.

Anyone who lives in the UK can join a Lancashire library, either online or by visiting in person.

It’s free and there are no age restrictions.

Councillor Jimmy Eaton, who represents the town’s Greensclough ward on Rossendale Borough Council, said: “This is really good news. It’s been a long time coming. I’ve been using this library since I was small.

“I am very pleased and so will the library users of Bacup and indeed beyond the town who use it.”

Healey and Whitworth councillor and county councillor Sean Serridge, who successfully lobbied to get the Bacup site added to the “Regenerate” library revamp scheme, said: “I am absolutely delighted.

“This work was long overdue and it will make a real difference to users.

“I lobbied hard to Bacup back in the programme but there are other libraries in Rossendale, including Whitworth, that are also in need of renovation work.

“I will continue to fight for the money to carry out that work as well.”