Castleton Carnegie Library revitalised after extensive refurbishment

The old Carnegie Library in Castleton, pictured part-way through its transformation

The old Carnegie Library in Castleton has had new life breathed into it after the building was refurbished by local businessman, Nick Crewe.

The once-popular Manchester Road library, constructed with Accrington brick and Staffordshire roof tiles to a design by Jesse Horsfall, was first opened back in 1905 after the philanthropist Andrew Carnegie donated £2,500 for it to be built.

It became unoccupied in 2006 after the library was moved to Castleton Community Centre, lying derelict for a decade before the extensive refurbishment.

The Friends of Carnegie (Castleton) have campaigned for several years to save this iconic building – which has been described as the most prestigious building in Castleton – and return it to good use. 

The majority of the building has now been let as office space, and the old ground floor reading room has been let to the Friends group, who intend to create a local heritage and history centre and install an official picture of Andrew Carnegie in pride of place on Wednesday 1 March.

The Friends group officially began their tenancy on Friday 1 February 2019 for a period of three years, and in addition to local history displays, intend to offer the room for use by groups for meetings and talks during the day, and possibly the evening.

Secretary of the Friends of Carnegie (Castleton), Sheila Whitworth said: “The 'Crewe Crew' have done, and are still doing, a fantastic job. The original 'maple block' flooring was badly damaged with the rain getting in and it was lifting in many places. That original and very special flooring has now been repaired and reinstated. 

“The whole of the building has been transformed, but we feel it has lost none of its character.”

She continued: “We are hoping to put together a local history and heritage centre, plus a special section about Andrew Carnegie, without whom the library, as it was, would never have been there. He gave it to the people of Castleton in 1905 and we must commemorate that.

“If anyone has any photographs of old Castleton, or local history they would be willing to share, please contact us.”

For more information or to volunteer, call in at the Carnegie between 10am and 3pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, or contact the Friends via their website:

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/sites/the-friends-of-carnegie-castleton/contact