The Grade II listed library dates back to 1905 when it was built with funding from Scottish-American philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.  Today marks what would have been Carnegie’s 181st birthday.

Gaynor Williams, CEO at Lister Steps, said: “This is a bright new chapter for the area, and one that we’re really excited to be involved in. When Andrew Carnegie opened the library in 1905, he envisioned that it would be something that absolutely everyone in the area could benefit from and be proud of. Now, thanks to HLF, Lister Steps are able to continue carrying out that vision.”

Popular community resource

The Old Library served the local community for 100 years but closed down in 2006 with the building falling into disrepair. Now thanks to a helping hand from National Lottery players, the space is set to be reinvented as a focal point for the local community, whilst also offering invaluable services for the residents of Tuebrook, Old Swan, Stoneycroft, and West Derby.

[quote=Gaynor Williams, Lister Steps CEO]“This is a bright new chapter for the area."[/quote]

Exciting future plans

Plans include a licensed café, an events space, an affordable childcare service provided by Lister Steps charity, a healthy food takeaway, a co-working space and facilities to help local people become more financially literate.

Birthday celebrations

Nathan Lee, Head of HLF North West: “What a great way to mark Andrew Carnegie’s 181st birthday with our £3.9m investment - I think he would have approved!  We loved Lister Steps’ plans to restore this historic landmark into a living, breathing place designed around the needs of the local community. This is a great example of National Lottery players’ money being used to maximum effect by taking a much-loved but dilapidated building and turning it into a space fit for 21st-century living.”