Library and Museum Services
Regular Events at Westhoughton Library
As well as books, newspapers, reference materials and computers, Westhoughton Library offers its facilities to the community. Be it for regular exhibitions or for sessions with one of the many groups that are based there. All events are free and there's no need to book unless otherwise stated. Additional services such as the eLibrary or Home Library Service are accessible from home for those with smart devices.
Disrupting library and community use, in late 2021 and into spring of 2022 the library was closed to undergo renovation work to make the Library building more energy efficient; the project included changes to the heating system and windows, funded through a national government initiative which provides grants for public sector bodies to fund heat decarbonisation and energy efficiency measures (problems with heating had emerged over the winter of 1920/21 forcing the library to close and pop-up services moving to the HUB. Normal service and group activities resumed in September 2022.
With plans for reconfiguration and improved community access, the Library and Carnegie Hall are an essential part of the Town Centre Regeneration and Refurbishment of Civic Buildings project; after consultation more work to be undertaken but the result should be of great benefit to the town and community >> Project Details.
Activities Programme Westhoughton Library
Group | Day / Time |
Scrabble Group | Mondays 1pm - 3pm |
Card Making Group | Mondays 1pm - 3pm |
DWP | Tuesdays 10am - 5pm |
Hearing Aid Clinic | Tuesday 10:15am - 12:00pm (2nd Tuesday) |
Tuesday Club (Games, Crafts, Quizzes…) | Tuesdays 1pm - 3pm |
Local History Group* | Thursdays 10:30am - 12:30pm (3rd Thursday) |
Toddler Tales Story Time | Fridays 10:30am - 11:30am |
Curling and Table Games | Fridays 11am - 2:30pm |
Reading Group | Friday 1:30pm - 3:30pm (1st Friday) |
Digital Drop-in | Fridays 2pm - 4pm (Last Friday) |
Digital One-to-Ones** (Free, 1-hr sessions) | Saturday 10:30am - 12:30pm |
Saturday Stars (Children's Craft activities) | Saturday 10:30am - 12pm |
Computers are available to use to access the internet and work on MS Office programmes.
1 hour per day is FREE. Longer sessions, scanning and printing are charged for. |
|
* Ask staff for more details of these groups' meetings | ** Booking required
Call 01942 634640 |
Displays & Exhibitions (Upper Floor & Carnegie Hall)
Westhoughton Library is often used by local groups to stage exhibitions or public events on the upper floor level, for example, Westhoughton Art Group usually hold an an annual art exhibition in the spring featuring the work of local artists who produce work of extraordinary quality in a variety of styles during the weekly arts classes around Westhoughton. Some of the pieces of art will be available for sale and occasionally there will be live art demonstrations by tutors.
In September and October 2023 - the upper floor of the library will see a very special exhibition by Westhoughton Local History Group. Months in the planning by the dedicated Committee, bringing together archive materials, individual stories, key events in its history, photographs and musical performance, it will tell 'The Wingates Band Story' as the brass band celebrates its 150th anniversary - quite an achievement! Part of the 2023 'National Heritage Open Days' event, it is fascinating story and will showcase this elite band of musicians and how its story relates to Westhoughton's own history; it promises to be a rich, interesting and entertaining journey through the brass band’s 150-year history. Great to see the other Howfen musical legends – The Houghton Weavers – very involved with this. Key dates for this exhibition will be 9th, 14th and 16th September with special events, talks and performances. The exhibition itself will run until 31st October. It is free and will be worth a visit.
The previous major exhibition (2019) was Westhoughton Local History Group telling the story of the Peterloo uprising and massacre of 1819. Two key figures representing the 'Establishment', Sir William Hulton and Colonel Ralph Fletcher, had very close ties with Westhoughton. At the other end of the social spectrum, some of the poorest members of Westhoughton society, primarily working people from the Wingates district, marched to Manchester in support of the objectives of the assembled crowd. On Thursday, 15th August a special launch event took place in the adjacent Carnegie Hall when a dramatic production based on the Peterloo Massacre was enacted. The WLHG exhibition then transfered to the Library (Upper Floor) for people to visit until the end of September. 'Peterloo Bi-Centenary' (Overview).
As part of the 2017 exhibition, 'Aspects of Howfen', a new, historic Westhoughton Timeline was unveiled (23/9/17). It is now a permanent feature, promoting Westhoughton's rich heritage and showcasing the dedicated and forensic work of the Local History Group, certainly one of the north west's premier heritage groups.
There are annual art exhibitions in the spring by Westhoughton Art Group, showing off the impressive work of local artists, and autumn photo exhibitions by Bolton & District Photographic Society. There are regular exhibitions by Westhoughton Local History Group which focus on the town and its history - last year saw fascinating displays taking visitors into the world of 'Westhoughton in the Wake of World War One', detailing 100 years after the Armistice the impact of the war on the town; those who never returned, those who fought and survived, and how the town picked up the pieces. See also permanent exhibits showcasing Wingates Band and their long history, approaching 150 years, upstairs at the library.
There are some fascinating displays, photos, artefacts and models covering local history, clubs and organisations, and the changing face of the town - from mining to cricket to railways to housing estates. Worth a look, and of interest to young and old, whether born here or a newcomer.
Short Courses
Watch out for occasional short courses run in conjunction with Bolton College or learning providers, such as the 4-week Computer Tablets and a Family History. Ask at Library for upcoming courses - or suggest things of interest.
Westhoughton Library
Library Street
Westhoughton
BL5 3AU
Telephone: 01942 634640
E-mail: westhoughton.library@bolton.gov.uk
Website: Bolton Library and Museum Services | Westhoughton Library.
Opening Hours (from 1/11/21 following review/consultation)
Monday - 10:00am to 5:00pm
Tuesday - 10:00am to 7:00pm
Wednesday - CLOSED
Thursday - 10:00am to 5:00pm
Friday - 10:00am to 5:00pm
Saturday - 10:00am to 5:00pm
Sunday - CLOSED
Page last updated: 31/8/23.