A shut-down Wirral library is set to reopen next spring after being closed for four years. Irby Library was one of nine to see its doors shut amid Wirral Council’s cost-cutting measures in 2022.

The much-loved community asset has sat empty in the village ever since. After years of sitting frozen in time, work is beginning to bring the facility back into use.

Following a successful Community Asset Transfer, the council has handed responsibility for the site to local charity Pioneer People, run by former Wirral councillor, Mark Johnston. Now under Pioneer’s control, the library is set to be brought back to life as a mixed-use space.

In addition to being a library, the site will be used as a community space where meetings for local groups will take place. A second-hand shop will also be established to help fund the site. As Mr Johnston explained, once the library is transferred to the charity, the site must be self-sustainable.

This won’t be the first library closed by Wirral Council that Pioneer has taken on. The charity has already seen success breathing life back into the Pensby Library, which reopened in 2024.

Inside Irby library now after having been closed since 2022

Pensby Library has a café on site to help finance the non-profit venture; however, as a number of thriving cafés already exist in Irby, Pioneer did not want to step on any toes or cause a conflict in the village, so opted to set up a second-hand shop instead.

At the library, Mr Johnston, local councillor Mark Skillicorn, and Trevor Ainslie – the chair of the Irby, Thurstaton, and Pensby Amenity Society (ITPAS) – met with the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) to discuss their delight following the official handover of the library’s keys.

Cllr Skillicorn told the LDRS that the completion of the asset transfer, which has secured the library’s future, has been the “proudest moment” of his time as a councillor.

He explained that there has been a huge library-shaped hole in the community in recent years which has led to people missing out on much more than books. Cllr Skillicorn said that prior to its closure, the library also helped people access the internet and was used as a vital warm space during the colder months.

The site has been largely untouched since 2022, meaning the library is still scattered with covid-era signs reminding people to social distance and regularly wash their hands.

Upon being asked when people can expect to see the library open once again, Mr Johnston said there is a lot of work to do but added, “It’ll be open by the spring, if not earlier.”

Vicky Earp and Julie Forshaw

On the streets of Irby, people were delighted to hear their library is set to reopen. Sat enjoying Wirral sunshine, friends Julie Forshaw and Vicky Earp said they’re both pleased the library will soon be back.

Julie said, “It’s definitely exciting to see it come back. Just to see the building in use again will be amazing. It’s just a shame it’s been closed for so long.”

Both Julie and Vicky felt it is a nice touch that the decision not to open a café has been made with the community and local businesses in mind.

Carol Spring, Jayne Gardiner, Vivienne Hill, and Deb Darlington

Similarly, friends Carol Spring, Jayne Gardiner, Vivienne Hill, and Deb Darlington, all said they are glad the facility is reopening. They agreed the fact the space will be more than just a library will mean it’ll be a great addition to the village.

The leader of the council, Cllr Paula Basnett, last year committed to not proposing the closure of further libraries during her leadership.

Lead image: (L-R) Cllr Mark Skillicorn, Mark Johnston, and Trevor Ainslie outside Irby Library. All images credit: Andrew Spence

Why not follow Birkenhead News on Facebook, Bluesky, WhatsApp, Twitter, and Threads. You can also send story ideas or letters to the editor to news@birkenhead.news