There is good news for Culcheth readers, puzzle enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys a library without having to squeeze it into an already overstuffed week. Culcheth Library on Warrington Road will open on Fridays from January 4, running from 11am to 5pm.
Livewire, which runs Warrington's libraries, has introduced the extra opening day in partnership with the Friends of Culcheth Library. It is a sensible move, and frankly long overdue for a community facility that offers considerably more than shelves of books and the occasional stern reminder about overdue returns.
Emma Hutchinson, managing director of Livewire, said the extended hours should benefit library users and described Friday opening as an exciting development. She also praised the library staff and the Friends of Culcheth Library for promoting the service and supporting its work.
The new Friday hours will sit alongside the existing timetable:
- Monday: 2pm to 5pm
- Tuesday: 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm
- Thursday: 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm
- Saturday: 9.30am to 1pm
- Wednesday and Sunday: closed
The Friends of Culcheth Library was formed 18 months ago and has already hosted games and jigsaws, murder mysteries and children's reading challenges. Janet Evans from the group said Friday opening would be especially useful for families, older people and anyone wanting to borrow books before the weekend.
That wider role matters. Libraries are not simply book warehouses with heating, although the heating is always appreciated. Culcheth Library also offers Lego, crafts, jigsaws and community activities, making the extra day a positive step for a village service that clearly benefits from local support.
The criticism is that the timetable still leaves Wednesdays and Sundays shut, so this is an improvement rather than a complete transformation. Even so, adding Friday hours is a practical win, and a deserved vote of confidence in the staff and volunteers helping Culcheth Library remain useful, busy and properly connected to the community.