Todmorden Library to fully reopen after refurb and RAAC removal
Todmorden Library, which dates back to the Victorian era, will celebrate with a special event looking to the future and marking its history.
Extensive refurbishment work – including dealing with an unsafe concrete issue – has been completed at a town’s library.
Todmorden Library, which dates back to the Victorian era, will celebrate with a special event looking to the future and marking its history.
Work at the Rochdale Road, Todmorden, building has included dealing with removal Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) from a building extension to make it safe.
The building, built by Todmorden Industrial and Co-operative Society, opened in 1897, and saw a huge celebration to mark the occasion.
The town’s library has remained at this site ever since, but part of the building has been closed since February to allow for refurbishment works including the RAAC removal.
Further have included improving spaces, creating a better access from Hall Street, and new efficient lighting and heating.
It will fully reopen at 10am next Friday, August 8, and Calderdale Council will be celebrating the library’s future and remembering that original opening event, with people welcome to come along.
New space includes a heritage room celebrating the history of Todmorden.
There will be displays about the building and the opening of the library, while the menu from the opening event in 1897 will be recreated in cakes and biscuits, replicating some of the notable dishes of the time including mock turtle soup, turbot, and Malaga pudding, as well as some more familiar treats such as jellies and creams and apple tart.
New local history shelving has been bought using donations from the Todmorden Antiquarian Society, Crook Hill Community Benefit Fund, and members of the public, with additional contributions from the council.
The children’s library space is also being upgraded with some newly purchased non-fiction shelving being installed soon.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet member for Public Services and Communities, Coun Danielle Durrans, said the “beautiful” library building has been a proud feature in the town since the 19th century.
“Necessary refurbishment works has meant that parts of the library have been shut since February this year, but I’m delighted that we’re now able to fully reopen the building and welcome customers to the new and improved spaces that can be used for exhibitions, displays and events, with better access for all.
“We couldn’t let this important occasion pass by without celebrating, and our library teams have delved into the archives to find the menu from the original opening.
“Some eclectic dishes of the time will be recreated in cake and biscuits and there will be lots of information for people to find out about the building’s fascinating heritage and celebrate its bright future,” she said.