Lancashire library reopens after three-month project to make it greener

Improvements are set to cut the library’s Co2 emissions by eight tonnes per year, and include new solar panels, an air source heat pump and replacement of traditional lighting with LEDs. The library’s layout has also been refreshed.

Library opening hours, services available on the site and rules on library fines have returned to normal.

County Councillor Peter Buckley, cabinet member for community and cultural services, said: “Reducing Co2 emissions at our libraries is absolutely crucial.

“We all need to take steps to tackle climate change and the measures to make Garstang Library more energy efficient are a key part of our plans.

“The layout improvements will also make visiting the library an even better experience.

“We’re sorry for the inconvenience this closure has caused and thank people for their patience over the last three months.”

The Garstang Library improvements are part of a drive to make council buildings more energy efficient, which has seen similar work begin at Leyland Library and Coal Clough Library in Burnley.

County Councillor Shaun Turner, cabinet member for environment and climate change, said: “Climate change is one of the biggest challenges we face.

“Like every organisation, we have to play our part and making our council buildings as environmentally friendly as possible is crucial.

“These improvements mean we now have a greener Garstang Library, cutting its carbon footprint massively while improving the service.

“We’re making similar improvements at other libraries as part of this Government-funded scheme.”

For more information, visit www.lancashire.gov.uk/libraries.

To renew books over the phone via our 24-hour service, call 0300 123 6704 (library card number and PIN required).