Westhoughton Community Network

group for and run by community groups in Westhoughton

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)

2019 Art Exhibition at Westhoughton Library opened by Town Mayor Cllr Arthur Price. 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.

Westhoughton Local History Group Exhibition - The Wingates Band Story. At Westhoughton Library 9/9/23 - 31/10/23. 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).

'Aspects of Howfen' - Westhoughton Historic Timeline commissioned by Westhoughton Local History Group

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.

Westhoughton in the Wake of World War One -  Westhoughton Local History Group Exhibition (2018)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.

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Participating Groups

Local Amenities

Photos & Videos

Music

Useful Links

Community Events

  • Daisy Hill Station Improvements
    March to December 2024
    As part of 'Access for All' improvements station will see changes to ticket hall and installation of a lift and toilet, as well as car park changes. £4m project. Some disruption but services continue. Details at Friends of Daisy Hill Station page -
  • History Group
    Monthly meetings - 3rd Thurs (10:30am)
    Westhoughton Library
    After a busy 2023 including the Wingates Band Story exhibition celebrating the brass bands 150th anniversary (Q323), schedule resumes with speakers and special events for this popular heritage group. Next mtg 21/3 st March - Speaker Ruth Duckworth: My Life in Cricket (Part 2)
  • Rotary Christmas Float 2023
    During December Rotary Club of Westhoughton were out and about visiting local estates and will at Sainsbury's ahead of Christmas. As well as Santa and his Rotary Elves bringing Christmas cheer to young and old, it is an important fundraiser; this year £6,249 was raised to be shared out with local community organisations. £5,640 raised and shared in 2022 - Presentation evening 20/4/23; 19 organisations receiving cheques.
  • Hub at Westhoughton
    The Hub at Westhoughton on Central Drive is home to a range of groups and activities serving the community. Information Leaflet.
  • Westhoughton Library
    Library now open for books, general reading and computer access. With current refurbishment complete, community activities on both ground and upper floor have resumed. Info | Community Plans.
  • Robert Shaw / Book of Quint
    Special event with Ryan Dacko, author of 'The Book of Quint' took place at Wetherspoon's 1st July, celebrating Westhoughton-born Robert Shaw and introducing the backstory of the shark hunter from Jaws. It was a great success with people coming far and wide, leading to Amberley publishing deal.
  • WOW! Women of Westhoughton
    Thursdays from 7:00pm
    John Holt Centre (BL5 2NR)
    Est. 2013, women's group for shared interests, talks, outings & social networking. New meeting venue. Updated programme.
  • Daisy Hill FC Fixtures (Home)
    League Division 1 North
    New Sirs (BL5 2EB)
    Cutters season in full flow. New management, new signings and clubhouse improvements. Support your local team. KO Sat 3pm or Mon 7:45pm. £5 adults / £3 concession / £2 U18s / U12s free w/ adult.
  • Lockdown information (Covid-19)
    For 16 months life and community was disrupted by measures to deal with the pandemic. It has been a long and impactful period, thankfully things are opening up again there is a return to normal. Watch for updates as community re-engages here and on
    Westhoughton.net Facebook Page.
  • Town Centre Masterplan
    Proposals for investment in Town Centre (Market Street focus) were consulted upon in 2019-20 with a Steering Group meeting to discuss plans for £4m investment and significant changes to Market Street, Central Park, Carnegie Hall and Town Hall.
  • Hope Community Centre
    The Central Drive church and community space is currently closed pending refurbishment discussions with Bolton Council. Hope Church services take place in the Hub.
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