Newton Library Relocation Consultation FAQs

Why is the move being proposed?

The proposal would bring library services into Earlestown Town Hall as part of the council's vision for a One Neighbourhood Community Hub. This would create a modern, accessible facility where residents can access library services alongside community activities, public services and support networks. The proposal also supports the regeneration of Earlestown town centre and makes best use of a major public asset that has recently been refurbished providing the best value for money option.

Will the library service reduce if it relocates?

No. The council's adopted Library Strategy identifies Newton-le-Willows as one of the borough's core libraries, and there are no proposals to reduce library services. The relocation would provide an opportunity to enhance the library offer through improved facilities and more flexible community space. The new proposed location would offer:

• a larger variety of spaces of different sizes, allowing the service to stage much larger events and activities which it is unable to do at its current site
• improve access for residents with mobility issues or parents / carers with prams
• a Changing Places facility which is a fully accessible toilet providing additional space and specialist equipment, including a hoist and adult-sized changing bench, to enable people with complex disabilities and their carers to use toilet facilities safely, comfortably and with dignity
• an on-site café helping to encourage longer stays
• adjacent to a variety of shops and of course Earlestown market so visitors can combine trips to the library with a shopping trip
• its adjacency to Earlestown Bus station offers direct bus services to several local destinations making the library easier to access
• ample car parking in the adjacent car park on Tamworth Street
• greater opportunities for partnership working, learning activities, cultural programmes and community events
• a prominent town centre location that is easier to access by public transport and supports the vitality of Earlestown town centre

Has a final decision been made?

No. The council is currently exploring the proposal and no final decision has been made. The public consultation is open from 1 September to 22 September 2026, and the views of residents, library users, community groups and other stakeholders are extremely important to both the council and the library service. We want to understand how this proposal could affect the community and ensure that any future decision is informed by local views, community needs and the experiences of those who use the library. We encourage everyone with an interest in the future of the library to take part in the consultation and complete the survey.

Will the opening hours of the library change ? 

No. The library would continue to operate Monday to Saturday and no reduction in opening hours is proposed. One of the potential benefits of relocating to Earlestown Town Hall is the opportunity to explore longer opening hours and increased access to services and activities, taking advantage of a building that is designed to accommodate a wider range of community uses throughout the day and evening.

How far from the library's current site on Crow Lane is Earlestown Town Hall?

Earlestown Town Hall is located approximately 0.4 miles from the current library on Crow Lane, which is around an 8 to 10 minute walk. The No. 34 bus service stops close to both locations, with a journey time of approximately 7 minutes. For those travelling by car, the journey takes around 2 minutes, and free parking is available nearby at the Tamworth Street car park
 

Will those groups who meet at the library be affected if the library relocates?

The groups and organisations that regularly use the library are an important part of the library community, and their views are very important to the council as part of this consultation. No decisions have yet been made, and we are keen to understand how any proposed changes might affect current users.

The intention of the proposal is to enhance, rather than reduce, opportunities for community groups. Earlestown Town Hall would offer a wider range of modern, flexible spaces that could support existing activities and create opportunities for groups to expand, collaborate and develop new programmes. All feedback received during the consultation will be carefully considered to help ensure that any future decision reflects the needs of library users and the wider community.

When would the move happen?

No decision has yet been made to relocate the library. If the proposal is approved, the move would not take place immediately. The main refurbishment works at Earlestown Town Hall are nearing completion and the building will soon be handed over to the council. The next stage involves preparing and fitting out the building for its intended uses, which is expected to take a few months.

Should the relocation proceed, residents, library users and community groups would be given advance notice of the timetable and arrangements, with every effort made to minimise disruption to library services during the transition

What will happen to the current Library building on Crow Lane?

We recognise that the Crow Lane library building is an important part of the local community and is valued by many residents. The building also has historic significance within Newton-le-Willows, and no decisions have been made about its future use.

If library services were relocated to Earlestown Town Hall, the council would undertake a review of the building to determine the option that delivers the greatest benefit for residents and represents the best use of a public asset. This could include other council services, community or voluntary sector uses, partnership opportunities, redevelopment, or alternative uses that support local priorities and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the area.

Any future proposals would seek to retain and safeguard the historic building while identifying the most appropriate and sustainable long-term use for the site. In line with the council's Asset Strategy, future decisions would seek to maximise the social, economic and community value of the asset, ensure public resources are used effectively, and support the council's wider regeneration and neighbourhood objectives.

Residents and stakeholders will be kept informed as any future proposals are developed.

Will the Library close for an extended period?

No. If a decision is made to relocate the library, every effort will be made to minimise disruption to library users. The new facility at Earlestown Town Hall would be fully prepared before any books, equipment or services are transferred.

The move itself is expected to take no more than five working days, and the council would provide plenty of notice in advance of any temporary closure. During this short transition period, customers would continue to have access to library services through the council's other libraries across the borough, as well as online resources including e-books, e-audiobooks and digital services.

Our aim would be to ensure a smooth transition so that residents can begin benefiting from the new facilities as quickly as possible.

Can I return books to other libraries?

Yes. Your library membership can be used at any council-operated library across the borough, making it easy to borrow and return items wherever is most convenient for you.

If the library were to close temporarily during a future relocation, or if you choose to visit another library, you would be able to return your books to any council-operated branch, including Chester Lane, Haydock, Eccleston, Moss Bank, St Helens and Thatto Heath.

Library users would continue to have access to the full borough-wide library network, ensuring that services remain available throughout any transition period.

What happens to online loans?

Access to digital books, e-audiobooks, and online resources remains uninterrupted 24/7 via the council's standard digital platform.

Will the new location be accessible for disabled users?

Earlestown Town Hall has been refurbished to modern accessibility standards and includes step-free access, accessible lifts, accessible toilets and a Changing Places facility designed to support people with complex disabilities and their carers.

Is parking available nearby?

Free parking is available behind the town hall on Tamworth Street where the car park offers 110 spaces

What will happen to the library staff working in the library?

St Helens Library Service has a dedicated, experienced and skilled workforce, and the council greatly values the contribution staff make to supporting residents, delivering services and creating welcoming library spaces.

If the library were to relocate to Earlestown Town Hall, the current library staff would move with the service and continue to support customers from the new location. There are no proposals to reduce the library workforce because of the relocation.

The new facilities would also provide staff with enhanced opportunities to deliver a wider range of activities, events and services, helping to ensure that residents continue to receive the high-quality support they currently enjoy.

What will happen to the books and equipment in the library?

The books, furniture and equipment at Newton Library would continue to be used to support library services. The Library Service regularly rotates stock between libraries to ensure residents have access to a wide range of books and resources, and the collection will be incorporated within the new library at Earlestown Town Hall.

If the relocation goes ahead, books and other resources would be carefully moved to ensure they remain available for library users. Furniture and equipment that are suitable for the new space would also be relocated wherever possible.

Any items that are no longer required would be reused, repurposed or recycled in line with the council's commitment to sustainability and making the best use of public resources. Our aim would be to ensure that valuable library resources continue to benefit residents in the new location.

I currently use  Newton le Willows Library. What do I do with the books that I have borrowed?

There is no need to worry. When you join St Helens Library Service, your membership allows you to borrow and return items at any council-operated library across the borough, as well as access a range of online services.

If the library were to relocate, and you still had books on loan during the transition period, you would be able to return them to any council-operated library. Details of any temporary arrangements would be clearly communicated well in advance to ensure library users have plenty of time to plan.

Our priority would be to make any transition as smooth and convenient as possible, ensuring that customers can continue to access library services with minimal disruption.

Will there still be a programme of library events delivered?

Yes. If the library relocates to Earlestown Town Hall, existing activities such as Rhyme Time, Sensory Baby, Reading Groups, digital support sessions and family activities would continue to be delivered. The Library Service currently delivers a wide range of programmes that support reading, learning, health and wellbeing, digital inclusion and community participation. These include children's activities, school holiday events, shared reading sessions, community group meetings, digital skills support, craft activities and cultural events.

Libraries also host author visits, book launches, book signings, poetry readings, creative writing workshops and talks by local historians and guest speakers, helping residents engage with literature, local history and lifelong learning.

In addition, libraries provide opportunities for people to take part in arts and cultural programmes, which may include exhibitions by local artists, arts and crafts workshops, heritage projects, family creative activities, storytelling events and community cultural celebrations

All these and more could be accommodated if the service relocated to Earlestown town hall.

Will there be a Local History offer in the new location?

Yes. Preserving access to local history resources is an important part of the Library Service. The maps, books and other local history materials currently housed in the Local History Room at Crow Lane would be relocated to Earlestown Town Hall, ensuring they remain available to residents, researchers, family historians and anyone with an interest in the area's heritage.

The relocation also presents an opportunity to make local history materials more visible and accessible within a building that has its own important place in the history of Newton-le-Willows and Earlestown. The Town Hall's central location and flexible spaces could also support local history talks, exhibitions, heritage events and community projects that celebrate the area's rich past.

The proposal would also complement the council's wider plans to enhance and improve access to the Borough's archive collections at The Gamble Building, creating additional opportunities for residents to explore local history, heritage and archive material across the borough. Together, these investments would strengthen access to historical resources and help preserve and promote St Helens' rich heritage for future generations.

The intention is not only to retain the existing local history offer but to build upon it, creating more opportunities for residents to engage with the history of Newton-le-Willows, Earlestown and the wider borough

How can I share my views?

The council is keen to hear from residents, library users, community groups, local businesses and other stakeholders before any decision is made. Your feedback is important and will help the council understand how the proposal could affect the community and ensure that local views are fully considered as part of the decision-making process.

You can share your views by completing the online survey via the St Helens Council SmartSurvey or fill out physical paper copies directly at Newton-le-Willows Library.

We encourage everyone with an interest in the future of the library to take part in the consultation and tell us what matters most to you. Every response received during the consultation period will be carefully reviewed before any decision is taken.