Book lovers in an East Lancashire town could enjoy a new library service in a Victorian building which holds the world's last surviving 19th-century steam-powered mill.
The former Briercliffe Library in Burnley has remained shut since 2016 when it and the nearby Queen Street Mill museum closed.
The museum is home to rare industrial collections, including working machinery, and reopened in 2018.
Now, Lancashire County Council's cabinet is set to discuss proposals to re-open the library in the museum at their next meeting on Thursday.
Repairs totalling more than £1m are also required for the museum's roof and a capital funding bid is being made to Arts Council England.
The library would be housed in the museum's entrance gallery, adding to existing attractions such as rare industrial artefacts and the tempting treats of the cafe.
County Cllr Peter Buckley, cabinet member for community and cultural services, said: “The addition of the library to the entrance to the museum gallery would serve the whole community in Burnley and add to the value of this local, Grade I listed building which houses industrial collections of historical significance.
“Queen Street Mill is an incredible and highly important local heritage asset, allowing us to preserve the legacy of our industrial past.
"We hope that by moving a step closer to opening a much-needed library in this historically significant building, it will allow a vital service to continue for the local community while further enhancing the status and allure of a momentous cultural gem of national importance.”
The library plans are part of a wider proposal for repairs to the Grade I listed building, with cabinet members also giving the green light to an application to Arts Council England's Museum Estate and Development (MEND) fund.
If successful, the bid would see the grant funding boosted by a contribution from the county council.
County councillors have heard a heritage condition survey last year highlighted concerns with the northlight roof.
A cabinet report says: " In several areas the ridges are now starting to collapse. The condition of the roof is such that there is an immediate risk to the building and collections which needs to be addressed."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here