A LIBRARY that was closed more than a year ago in a rural village has reopened.

Barrowford Library, on Ann Street, was reopened by County Cllr Christian Wakeford, who represents the area, on Monday.

Following the closure of 26 of the county’s 73 libraries by Lancashire County Council at the end of 2016, a new administration was elected in May 2017 and has decided to reopen as many libraries as possible.

Plans have been agreed for the phased reopening of libraries, and Barrowford is the eighth to reopen following Silverdale Library, Parbold Library, Burnley Campus Library, Bolton-le-Sands Library, and Fulwood Library in late 2017, and Freckleton Library and Oswaldtwistle Library earlier this month.

More are due to reopen over the coming weeks.

Schoolchildren from Barrowford Primary School, Barrowford St Thomas’ Primary School and Roughlee Primary School made the trip to the reopening and browsed the new collection of books.

County Cllr Wakeford said: “I’m very happy to be reopening Barrowford Library.

“People in the village really value their library and have missed it while it has been closed.

“Particularly in a small community like Barrowford, a library is far more than just a building full of books. It’s a community hub that brings people of all ages together, providing opportunities for social interaction, and information about events and activities.”

County Cllr Peter Buckley said: “Local libraries are one of the most valued services provided by the county council and perform a vital function, giving people free access to books, information, and the internet for leisure and learning. Libraries provide these important services on our doorstep, and it’s clear to see from the many people who have come along today how much people in Barrowford value theirs.

“We’re committed to reopening libraries and this marks another important step in our programme of reopening libraries across Lancashire.

“I look forward to reopening more over the coming weeks.”

Lancashire County Council’s cabinet has so far made decisions to reopen 13 libraries, and agreed to transfer the ownership of a further seven libraries to local organisations which will operate them as independent community-run libraries.

The county council is continuing work towards reopening libraries in all of the areas where libraries were closed.

Opening times for Barrowford Library will be open Mondays to Saturdays and closed on Tuesdays and Sundays.

It will open from 9am to 5pm on Mondays, 9am to 1pm on Wednesdays, 9am to 7pm on Thursdays, 9am to 5pm on Fridays and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays.