Wigan Library

Cllr Ready and Stuart Murray at the new library New Wigan Library set to open 06 January 2012 The north west’s only newly built central library to open in 2012 will unlock its doors to the public on Monday. With more than 70,000 books, 37 computers with free internet access, a large collection of CDs and DVDs, and an events programme packed to the rafters the new Wigan Library opens to the public on Monday 9 January. Set across two floors it is complete with a children’s section, a dedicated teen library space, reference, fiction and non-fiction departments and will host more events and author visits than you can shake a bookmark at! And checking something out couldn’t be easier! Using the latest radio frequency technology, the self-service system will automatically recognize each item. All you have to do is pick what you want to borrow, scan your library card, and let the system do the rest. Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust (WLCT) will manage the library on behalf of Wigan Council. Chief Executive Stuart Murray said: “This is a fantastic new facility and a flagship site for us. Libraries have changed significantly over the last few years, they now offer a range of services and events that cater for all ages and this wonderful building will serve to take our library service to a new level.” The new library is part of the Wigan Life Centre, a new public services “hub” that is due to be formally opened in February. Situated between Hewlett Street and The Wiend, next to Wigan Town Hall, the 6,500 square foot building will be the culmination of the council’s £217M Life Centre project. It will offer residents of the borough a new ‘gateway’ to all public services in the borough through a state-of-the-art customer contact centre. The vision will see any member of the public with a query about services provided by the council, housing, health and other partners have it resolved quickly and in one place. The new Learning and Information Zone follows on the heels of the Healthy Living Zone – which opened over the summer and incorporates new leisure complex, including swimming pools and gym, as well as council offices. Both sites have been built for the council by construction company Morgan Sindall and will be operated by the Council's FM partner Hochtief facilities Management. The town centre campus is also complimented by a network of local Life Centres in communities across the borough. Wigan Council’s Cabinet Member for Customer Services and Leisure, Cllr Chris Ready said: “The Life Centre campus will give us a new approach to serving our communities. “It will make it easier and quicker for residents to contact the council and other public services. “The council’s ambition is to create a ‘confident place with confident people’ and we believe the new Life Centre typifies this.” Matt Hilton will be the first author visit at the new library on Thursday 26 January.