All St Helens libraries to stay open past October 31 as council reconsider closure plans

Senior council members voted to back one of the biggest changes to the local library service at a town hall meeting in July, which would have seen the borough's 13 libraries reduced to 7.

The council announced that from October 31, 2022, it would no longer run libraries in Billinge, Garswood, Parr, Peter Street, Rainford, and Rainhill.

Communities in Rainford objected to the planned closure (Image: Google)

However, the controversial move proved unpopular in these communities, with many challenging the decision and creating online campaigns to save their local library service.

Following the backlash, the council has decided to review the decision on its Library Strategy and will consult with members of the public on its plans going forward.

It has been recommended that a six-week public consultation should take place, with the results of this to be presented to a cabinet meeting next year, where a final implementation plan will be decided.

This means that all of the current libraries in St Helens will remain open after October 31 while the council discusses the plans further with members of the public.

The council said it will continue to develop its library outreach model, which includes home deliveries of books and a digital library, while the Gamble building will again become the home of St Helens Library.

A campaign was also set up in Billinge (Image: Google)

Councillor Anthony Burns, Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Culture and Heritage, said: “We know that libraries are an incredibly emotive subject for many people and the previous decision was not one we took lightly.

"Our vision for library services in our borough is to transform the service and make it fit for the future by taking into account the changing way that people use the service, whether through online or home delivery service. 

“These next steps will make sure that the decision process is even more robust and another opportunity for the public to talk about how they see the service operating and fitting into our modern times.

"This feedback will then inform our Library Strategy implementation plan and help model its delivery.” 

The Gamble Building will again become the home of St Helens Library (Image: St Helens Council)