Darwen residents invited to help shape library’s future

Darwen residents are being invited to help shape the future of the town’s library.

A new online survey has been launched to gather feedback about the historic building and the services it provides.

The responses will inform future plans and support bids for additional funding.

Darwen Library and its Library Theatre are already set to benefit from millions of pounds of investment through the Darwen Town Deal.

Planning permission has been granted for a series of upgrades to the Grade II-listed building, including:

a proposed double-storey extension to better link the library and theatre;
improvements and repairs to the historic building;
a new entrance to the theatre; and
a new café/bar.

Work has also started to remove the former ticket office to the rear of the building.

The project forms part of wider investment across Darwen town centre, including the refurbishment of the Victorian Market Hall, a new arcade to replace the existing Market Annex, and a new town centre car park.

Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council and vice chair of the Darwen Town Board, Councillor Phil Riley, said: “There’s a fascinating history behind Darwen Library and Darwen Library Theatre – one that we want to preserve and celebrate while also looking ahead to the future of this beautiful and much-loved building.

“The Town Deal has provided a fantastic opportunity to invest significantly in our town centre.

“This new round of public consultation will help shape how the library is used in the future, the activities on offer and the role it plays in the community.

“Listening to residents is incredibly important to us and I’d encourage anyone who can to take a few minutes to complete the survey. It really could help make a difference.

“Libraries and venues like Darwen Library Theatre are also important in bringing people together and are a vital part of community life.”

There will also be pop-up information stalls at Darwen Market, Darwen Leisure Centre and the existing Darwen Youth Zone, in Railway Road.

Darwen Library was designed by architect Raymond Harrison and funded by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, the iron and steel magnate who championed free public libraries, who officially opened the building on May 27, 1908, and many of its historic features remain.

An original lecture theatre in the undercroft was later transformed into the Darwen Library Theatre, which opened in 2000.