THE success of Barrow Central Library as a community hub for the town has been recognised in a report to councillors.

The Grade II-Listed building at Ramsden Square, run by Cumbria County Council, has a footfall of around 100,000 a year, said a report to Barrow Local Committee.

Between February and April, 660 people alone “engaged” with the library and archives service, which did not include general visitors, it said.

A total of 515 adults and 145 under 19s had an interaction with the libraries and archives service. There were also more than 200 viewings of the Barrow Public Transport Exhibition.

More than 60 people also attended a successful gig in the library in April, as part of the Get it Loud In Libraries project.

It is designed to give people who love music the chance to see top-notch artists in their local library.

Bands appearing were Irish indie trio Whenyoung with support from up-and-coming Glaswegian singer Lucia.

The library is planning to introduce new autism-friendly areas, and holds Lego sessions every school holiday. It also stages a Pokemon game event every week.

A report to county councillors said: “Barrow Central Library is a well-used community resource open to all and already attracts many community groups.”

“With free WIFI and free PC usage, more people are using the library to access services and by improving the flexibility of the building to allow a better customer and community experience, it is hoped that more services and activities can continue to be delivered from this building in future.”

Works costing up to £1 million are planned to redevelop the library and are currently going through the planning process.

The library was first opened in October 1922. The site was bought from the Furness Railway to build a new library financed by the Carnegie Foundation.

It is one of only 600 Carnegie Libraries in the UK. Heritage experts regard it a as a building of regional and arguably national architectural importance.