Ossett Library to reopen after renovation works at Ossett Town Hall 

Ossett Library will welcome back visitors on Monday 23 September after being refurbished.  

The new library is on the first floor of Ossett Town Hall which has benefited from a refurbishment programme to the Grade II listed town hall building.  The work includes a new lift, stained-glass features being restored, and a new energy efficient heating system installed. The building has also been re-roofed with stone and window repairs carried out, and the clock tower refurbished to protect it for the future.

Simon Potter, Construction Director at William Birch & Sons Ltd who were the main contractor on the project, said: “We are excited to unveil the new library to the community later this month. Restoring this Grade II listed building at the heart of Ossett town centre has been a privilege, and as we celebrate William Birch's 150th year in business, we are proud to have preserved its historical integrity while creating a bright, airy space for everyone to enjoy”.

Membership at Wakefield district libraries is free, and no ID is required.

Ossett Library will have a full selection of adult and children’s books including talking books and large print. It also has computers with internet access, study spaces, printing, and scanning facilities.

The library will also have a local studies room for local and family history and a small meeting room for hosting events. Local people are being asked to join its re-launched friends' group to help support and promote the new library.

A full programme of weekly and monthly events will be on offer including Under 5s story times, adult reading groups, craft, and puzzle groups, plus an after-school student club and weekend events for families.

The library will be home to a museum hub, which will showcase artefacts and stories from Ossett’s past. The first exhibition, co-curated by the local community, focuses on the Gawthorpe coal-carrying competition.

The library will be open on Monday 23 September 2024 with the following timetable:

• Monday: 9:30am to 5pm  
• Tuesday: 9:30am to 5pm  
• Wednesday: 9:30am to 5pm   
• Thursday: closed  
• Friday: 9:30am to 5pm     
• Saturday: 9:30am to 1pm
• Sunday: closed

For more information visit www.wakefield.gov.uk/libraries. Anyone interested in joining the library friends’ group can email the library on ossettlibrary@wakefield.gov.uk.