A new library facility in Ulverston is close to completion.

The Supper Room at The Coro, currently undergoing transformation into a bright, welcoming library space, is set to take over the pop-up library in the Ante Room and Indoor Market Hall in Ulverston.

Service users have voiced their preference for a unified library location over the current split sites.

Whilst the Market Hall is to retain its role as a meeting space for various groups, the Supper Room is primed to offer an expansive colourful children's library area, as well as a range of books, IT provisions, and access to library staff for support.

Scheduled to open in the week commencing March 25, the Supper Room library will also feature fully flexible furniture and shelving, allowing rearrangement for multi-functional space usage.

This inclusive design ensures it remains available for event hires alongside its primary role as the temporary library.

The Ulverston Library on King’s Road currently poses safety issues due to problems with the building's electrics discovered during routine statutory checks.

As an urgent response to this setback, a limited pop-up library service was set up last year in the Ante Room at The Coro and was later expanded to the Ulverston Market Hall.

The council returned to the management of The Coro on January 1 2024, facilitating the expanded temporary library and extended opening hours, in line with the previous library provision.

Councillor Peter Thornton, cabinet member for assets and highways, acknowledged the substantial costs involved in choosing a permanent library option.

He said: "Which ever option is eventually chosen, it will involve significant cost, with hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of pounds of public money needing to be invested.

"We therefore need to make sure we get this right."

Meanwhile, Councillor Virginia Taylor, cabinet member for sustainable communities and localities, said: "We are absolutely not looking to close or diminish the library service in Ulverston.

"Indeed, we are exploring options that will enable us to look at ways to grow the library service in Ulverston."

A detailed appraisal is currently underway to establish options for a permanent library service in Ulverston, with the results promising to shape a future-proof library service that remains accessible, modern and fit for all users.

Cllr Taylor said: “The options on the table include costing what would be necessary to renovate the King’s Road building, and what investment would be required to deliver an extended library service in alternative locations.