Lancaster readers get six-day access from 14 September

Name: Opening of temporary library at White Cross Business Park
Start: 2026-09-14T09:30:00+01:00
Location: White Cross Business Park

beehiveweb.co.uk editorial team 2026-09-08 12:57 3 min read

An old stone building with a library sign above the arched main entrance door.

Lancaster residents will regain six-day access to local library services when a temporary facility opens at White Cross Business Park on Monday, 14 September 2026. Doors open at 9:30am at the Quarry Road site, which is within walking distance of Lancaster Central Library. Entry is free and the facility is open to the general public.

The temporary library is intended for readers, families, computer users and residents who need services displaced by the closure of Lancaster Central Library. The Market Square building, a Grade II listed property dating from 1932, must remain closed while extensive restoration and refurbishment work is completed. It is expected to welcome customers back in spring 2027.

More than 2,000 books and space for children

Visitors will be able to borrow from a collection of more than 2,000 books. Computers, internet access and printing facilities will also be available, preserving several of the practical services normally offered by the central library.

A dedicated children’s area and space for events are included in the temporary facility. Baby Bounce and Rhyme sessions are already taking place at White Cross on Wednesdays and, according to Lancashire County Council, have been well attended.

Not every activity previously based at Lancaster Central Library has moved to White Cross. Community groups that used the central building are currently meeting at The Centre at St Thomas’ Church. Groups still seeking an alternative venue can contact the council for help.

White Cross library opening hours

The temporary library will operate from Monday to Saturday, with opening times varying slightly during the week.

Lancaster readers get six-day access from 14 September

Day	Opening hours
Monday	9:30am–5pm
Tuesday	9:30am–4:30pm
Wednesday	9:30am–4:30pm
Thursday	9:30am–4pm
Friday	9:30am–4:30pm
Saturday	9:30am–5pm

The council describes the facility as open to the public. Its notice does not provide separate parking or accessibility information, although it identifies White Cross Business Park as a short walk from the central library.

Morecambe’s extended hours will end

Morecambe Library has been operating extended hours as a temporary response to the Lancaster closure. Those additional hours will stop when the White Cross facility opens, now that replacement provision has been secured in Lancaster.

Residents may still use nearby libraries in Morecambe, Bolton-le-Sands, Halton, Heysham, Carnforth and Silverdale during the central library’s closure. People registered for Lancaster Central Library updates will receive an email or text message explaining the alternative arrangements.

County Councillor Ella Worthington, cabinet member for Civic Pride, said the replacement space would allow people to continue borrowing books, attending events and using digital services while the restoration proceeds. Community groups needing help to find another meeting venue can email [email protected].

Source: Lancashire County Council News

Context & actions About this article

Source check Source trail

The opening date, location, facilities and weekly timetable were checked against Lancashire County Council’s published announcement.

Checks