Today, Fleetwood library occupies a corner spot where North Albert and Victoria Streets meet. It’s a popular community space, well used by many people. But did you know it’s had another home too?
For more information about any events please contact the library direct. You can also find many other local activities in the Events Calendar here
What’s on at Fleetwood Library
Libraries today aren’t the quiet, studious places that they used to be. They’re full of life and people and things going on. Most local libraries have a regular event programme – with things to do for people of all ages. Including crafting, writing, reading, board games, computing, friendship, children’s activities, and much more.
The current Fleetwood Library has been open to the public since 19 May 1988, and was officially opened on 17 June 1988. The building also houses the Registrar’s office.
Room Hire: there’s a large room, including private toilet facilities and kitchen, available for hire. Please contact the Library to arrange a booking (Please mention that you saw it on Visit Fylde Coast)
Address: Fleetwood Library, North Albert Street, Fleetwood, FY7 6AJ
- Tel: 0300 123 6703
- Email: fleetwood.library@lancashire.gov.uk
- Their own website here.
Fleetwood Library in Years Gone By
Join us for a stroll in Fleetwood. See where Fleetwood library began, and where it’s housed now –
FREE Newsletter
FREE Newsletter
Enjoyed this video? Why don’t you subscribe to the Visit Fylde Coast YouTube channel, for loads more great content!
Today’s modern Library replaced Cliff Shirley’s Cycles and the old telephone exchange which was upstairs. A new telephone exchange was built on Poulton Road.
Before that, the library lived in the impressive Fielden Institute at Dock Street. Built by Benjamin Whitworth, a Manchester cotton broker and ship owner, who lived nearby at Queen’s Terrace. Originally it was a social centre for education and recreation for working people.
Becoming a Public Library
The attractive and now beautifully restored building is the creation of Thomas Atkinson Drummond. He built many other local buildings. If you look ‘Public Hall and Reading Room’ is still visible over the door today.
Then in 1887 Samuel Fielden bought it for the town of Fleetwood. On condition that the Improvement Commissioners adopted it under the Free Public Libraries Act.
A spell of indecision followed, but the Commissioners adopted it at a meeting on 23 August 1887. The upstairs room was a public hall – with a capacity of 350 people – and used until 1988.
Mrs Sarah Fielden performed the official opening ceremony on 10 September 1888. The library’s curator was local poet Samuel Laycock. Miss Martha Mason was Fleetwood’s first caretaker Librarian. Paid 15 shillings a week she also lived on the premises.
Fleetwood Museum also began life in the town’s first public library – occupying the basement until 1991.
While you’re here…
Have a look at the homepage of the Visit Fleetwood website for more of the latest updates.
Love the Fylde Coast? Sign up for your weekly email newsletter. Packed full of interesting things it arrives in your inbox all 52 weeks of the year.
Join us on Facebook at our Visit Fylde Coast Facebook Group
Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @visitFyldeCoast
We Need Your Help
We Need Your Help
