There’s more than a century of history in the walls of St Annes Library – this beautiful grade 2 listed building opened in 1906.
The Years in St Annes Library
The St Annes on the Sea Land and Building Company gifted the land to the St Annes on Sea Urban District Council.
Local people launched a fundraising campaign, but the building itself was paid for by Andrew Carnegie. Hence it’s proper name is St Annes Carnegie Library. Andrew Carnegie was an American philanthropist and benefactor of public libraries. The then Chairman of the Urban District Council had approached him for a donation, and received £3500.
Little changes with the passage of time, and apparently the building process wasn’t straightforward back then either! But finally, the foundation stone was laid on 13 August 1904. The building officially opened on 10 January 1906.
The above plaque is still inside the entrance at St Annes library. It bears the inscription:
The land on which this building is erected was presented to the Council by the St Annes on the Sea Land and Building Co Ltd and the cost of the building (£3500) was defrayed by Mr Andrew Carnegie. The foundation stone was laid by Councillor Sylvester Louis Stott JP on the 13th day of August 1904. And the opening ceremony was performed by Councillor George Walters Spring JP on the 10th day of January 1906.
Reviews and Write Ups from the Time
This description of the building comes from the St Anne’s on the Sea Express of 10 January 1906 –
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“It is convenient and effective in arrangements and presents an imposing appearance. The style is an adaptation of Victorian Renaissance……The main entrance leads through to a vestibule to a large octagonal hall. Lighted by clerestory windows and surmounted by a domed roof. On the right side of the entrance hall is a niche containing a bust of Sir Walter Scott.”
Pevsner’s Buildings of England – Lancashire: North describes the building as –
“…..every inch the early 20C Carnegie Library. Low, Baroque of red brick and buff terracotta with a corner entrance flanked by tiny oculi and an octagonal domed tower rising behind. Light and airy inside, with a range of low arches to one side and friendly bays on the other”.
An extension to the library opened on 25 September 1932, for the reference and children’s sections.
Did you know? The council imposed a 1d levy on the rates to pay for its upkeep!
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St Annes Library Today
Lancashire County Council took over running of the library service in 1974.
Temporary Closure of the Library
St Annes library closed in August 2017 after some of the plaster fell from the ceiling.
Lancashire County Council surveyors recruited the help of specialist heritage surveyors. The results of their heritage conservation surveys highlighted the repairs that the listed building required. This includes work to the masonry windows, foundations to the 1930s extension, weather sealing, roof trusses and the cupola.
It was unknown exactly how long the work would take and when it would reopen. However, it was clear that the building has to be able to stand for another 100 years! Meanwhile a temporary library service operated in a mobile unit in the car park of the Public Offices at 288 Clifton Drive South. Other services operated from nearby Ansdell Library. The doors finally reopened on Monday 4 March 2019.
Where to find St Annes Library
St Annes Library
254 Clifton Drive South
St Annes on Sea
Lancashire
FY8 1NR
Tel: 0300 123 6703
Email: stannes.library@lancashire.gov.uk
Hub of the local community
- Regular events happen each week in all our local libraries. For toddlers, teens, adults of all ages, and the whole community.
- You can enjoy special events each month, on lots of different subjects. Everyone is welcome to everything.
- Advice and help is available with jobs, benefits and health.
- Libraries are places where consultation takes place on local matters.
- Computers are available for you to use, along with lessons to show you how. There are drop-ins to sort out your IT problems, and support with government forms etc.
- Learn how to craft, play board games and make new friends. Or even, just maybe, borrow a book!
Lancashire County Council manages the libraries in Fylde and Wyre. Blackpool libraries are managed by Blackpool Council.
While you’re here…
Have a look at the homepage of the Visit St Annes website for more of the latest updates.
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Before the country went into Covid lockdown I took my Mother in Law to this gem of a library. She is moving to the area and this is on her doorstep. Its not just a library, but an information hub! I will also be taking my little grandson there. Beautiful building and great staff.