Castleton Library restoration plans gathering support

The Carnegie Library building in Castleton

Support is mounting for the restoration of the iconic Carnegie Library building in Castleton and its return to public ownership.

Since the village’s library service moved to the community centre in 2007, the building on Manchester Road - which had housed it since its formation in 1905 - has stood derelict.

Residents formed a Friends Group in 2011 in an attempt to save the historic building from falling into disrepair but neglect and criminal damage have threatened the building since.

“It is a mess,” Sheila Whitworth, Chairwoman of the Friends of Carnegie (Castleton) group, said.

“Thieves have stolen lead from the roof, which means water is running into the building and we want to find them and tell them to put it back!”

Having started out with 22 members, the group has steadily increased in size and now boasts more than 170.

Ms Whitworth reiterated the group’s aim of creating a museum and a central community location, and hopes for the support of both the young and old.

“Some community groups have said the Community Centre is not big enough for them,” she said.

“There are lots of small groups and we hope to find space for them, and we hope to give information to people about the culture and heritage of their area.

“It is an ongoing process - we have photographs and members who remember how the building used to look who we can still pick the brains of.

“It is not just for the elderly though, we have a lot of young people and we want to get local schools involved.”

Ms Whitworth also explained there is empty space on the upper floors of the building, which the group hope can be rented out as office space in order to fulfil the group’s aim of making the building self-sufficient.

In order to gather funds for the project, the group have been working with the Council Heritage Team to put together a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund, which they are currently awaiting the results of.

They also organise fundraising activities, and their next one will be a Lancashire Night at the Blue Pits Inn on 24 November, featuring a pub quiz from 4.30pm - 6.30pm, followed by evening entertainment.

Also interested in the restoration of the Carnegie Library Building is building surveyor Carly Lucas, who is putting together a business plan on how to secure the long-term future of the building.

She echoed the ambitions of the Friends of Carnegie (Castleton) group and believes a museum can be built, however her plans would also increase the emphasis on office space being rented to secure the long-term future of the restoration.

“Funds are tight and it would be a shame if it were restored but then had to close again in a year or two,” she said.

“It needs to make its own money, and make its figures back. I don’t want all the effort to go to waste.”

“I intend to get in touch with the Friends Group because I believe we are both very passionate about this project,” she added.

As part of her plans for the restoration, she is also hoping to receive support from contractors, decorators and other workers and revealed one has already offered his services free of charge if the restoration were to be a true community project.

“That is what I want,” she said. “The library was originally given to the community when it was built, and I want it to be given back.”