Council moves to address misinformation regarding Newton-le-Willows Library proposal

Article date: 4 September 2026

At the start of the month (September), the council launched a public consultation on the possible relocation of Newton-le-Willows Library to the Grade II listed Earlestown Town Hall which is currently ongoing a major refurbishment as part of an ambitious town centre regeneration project.

The council is keen to reassure the community that no final decision has been made regarding the future location of Newton-le-Willows Library and that the consultation process has been launched specifically to gather the views of local people before any decision is taken.

Councillor Stephen Claybrook, St Helens Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Heritage, said:

"We understand that residents care deeply about their library and its future, which is exactly why we are consulting before any decision is made. Unfortunately, some inaccurate information has been shared online, and we want people to have the facts.

"There are no proposals to reduce library services, staff, opening hours or activities. The consultation is about exploring whether relocating the library to Earlestown Town Hall could provide improved facilities, better accessibility and greater opportunities for community use.

"We encourage everyone to look at the information available and take part in the consultation so that their views can help shape any future decision."

No proposal to reduce library services

One of the most common misconceptions circulating online is that the proposal would lead to a reduction in library services.

Newton-le-Willows is identified as one of the borough's core libraries within the council's adopted Library Strategy, and there are no proposals to reduce library services, opening hours, staffing levels, access to books, activities, or programmes if the relocation were to proceed.

Instead, the proposal is being explored as part of the council's wider vision to create a One Neighbourhood Community Hub within Earlestown Town Hall, bringing together library services, community activities, support services and learning opportunities in a single accessible location.

Improved facilities and accessibility

The proposed location at Earlestown Town Hall would offer several benefits for library users, including:

• A wider range of flexible spaces for activities and events.
• Improved access for people with mobility needs and families with prams.
• A fully accessible Changing Places facility for people with complex disabilities.
• An on-site café.
• Direct access to Earlestown town centre, shops and market.
• Close proximity to Earlestown Bus Station
• Parking nearby at Tamworth Street car park
• Greater opportunities for community events, cultural programmes and partnership working.

Existing activities and community groups would continue

Questions have also been raised regarding the future of community groups and activities currently hosted at Newton Library.

The council's intention is to enhance opportunities for community use, not reduce them.

The larger and more flexible spaces available within Earlestown Town Hall could enable existing groups to continue meeting and potentially grow their membership while also creating opportunities for larger events, expanded programmes and new partnerships.

Popular activities including:

• Read & Rhyme Time
• Sensory Baby sessions
• Reading groups
• Digital support sessions
• Family activities
• Arts and cultural programmes
• Author visits and local history events

Local history resources will be retained

The council is also aware of concerns regarding the future of Newton's local history collections.

Residents are being reassured that any relocation proposal includes plans to retain access to local history materials, maps, and books currently held at Crow Lane.

The Council believes the Town Hall could provide new opportunities for exhibitions, heritage events and local history activities while maintaining public access to these valuable resources.

Existing Newton-le-Willows Library building

There has  been speculation regarding the future of the current library building on Crow Lane.

No proposal to close the library exists and no decisions have been made about the future use of the building.

Should the library relocate, a separate review would be undertaken to identify the most appropriate long-term use of the site, with consideration given to its historic and architectural significance to the local community.

Have your say

Residents can complete the consultation questionnaire online at: Newton-le-Willows Library Relocation Consultation Questionnaire

Paper copies are also available at Newton-le-Willows Library. 

The consultation is open until Tuesday 22 September. 

For more information, visit: www.sthelens.gov.uk/NewtonLibraryFAQs