A Walton library that was supposed to be shut for three months for a refit is unlikely to reopen anytime soon after being shut for almost a year.
In February 2022, Liverpool Council officials said they were “quite confident” that as authority services continue to recover from the impact of Covid-19, services at libraries across the city will be at full strength by Spring. This included Spellow Library on County Road undergoing refurbishment works to incorporate multi functional spaces on site.
It had been expected that work would take up to three months. However, the library remains closed with conflicting responses as to when it could re-open.
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A report to the city council’s culture and visitor select committee said Spellow Library/Community Hub is scheduled to re-open in “February 2023 will form a blueprint for the model of re-imagining community spaces with colocated council services such as Adult Learning Services and One Stop Shops.” The document added within the site there will also be development of initiatives through the Business and intellectual Property Centre, Archives, physical activity, health, culture and digitisation.
When asked what led to the delay in re-opening, Cllr Sarah Doyle, Liverpool Council cabinet member for development and economy, could not give an exact date for the re-opening. She said: “The refurbishment of Spellow Library has unfortunately experienced a number of delays that have been beyond the city council’s control, such as unforeseen issues around the existing structure as well as the supply of building materials which has been affected by the Covid pandemic.
“We’re pleased the reopening of this important north Liverpool asset is imminent, providing Walton residents with a fantastic, inclusive community resource.” Liverpool’s library services have been the subject of a peer challenge from another council to establish where it can improve and to share learning.
According to a report by Val Jones, customer support manager, the key recommendations have been used to form an outline action plan, including review of service structure, development of strategic priorities for the next five years, and continuing to work on “an holistic approach to service delivery ensuring cross city events and exhibitions.” The report will be considered by the culture and visitor select committee when it meets at Liverpool Town Hall on Thursday.
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