8/1/2010 - Freezing conditions cause change in opening hours at temporary library in Cockermouth

The temporary library at Christ Church in Cockermouth is to temporarily change its opening hours from Monday onwards while the freezing conditions continue.

The library was moved to its current temporary home after the November floods damaged the permanent library building.

The challenge of heating a large church using temporary heaters in the current conditions is proving virtually impossible and in the interests of staff and customers, there will be reduced opening hours during the cold snap.

From Monday, the library will be open from 9.30am to 12.30pm rather than the previous opening hours of 9.30am to 4.30pm. It will be open on Saturday from 9.30am to 12.30pm and the opening hours will be reviewed again at the end of next week.

The library service is hoping to reopen the original library building, which needs around £180,000 worth of repairs, refurbishment and stock replacement, within the next two months.

Cllr Gary Strong, Cabinet member responsible for culture, said: 

"The library service has done a tremendous job maintaining the service after the floods. Now it is continuing to work its way through the freezing conditions and I'd like to pay tribute to the dedication of staff and the patience of customers."

ENDS

Media enquiries to Gareth Cosslett, News Manager on 01228 226332