The campaign to save Everton Library has received an almost £100,000 boost which raises hopes the building can survive the coming winter and one day reopen.
The building will receive £92,000 to begin surveys and carry out essential works to prevent further deterioration of the iconic library.
Concerns had been raised about the level of damage and deterioration the library has suffered since closing its doors in 1999.
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The library sustained further damage as a result of Storm Arwen in late November with further storms projected to hit Liverpool in December.
A council report outlined that it is “a matter of urgency that these works be programmed and progressed as a priority” in order to prevent additional expenditure being required on its restoration.
Speaking at the council's cabinet meeting on Friday, Everton ward councillor and deputy mayor, Jane Corbett, noted that the project “was close to her heart” and that it is “vital to protect this asset.”
Since closing its doors in 1999 the library has fallen into a significant state of disrepair with the Grade II listed structure failing to be brought back into use by a number of schemes over the years.
Now 125 years old, the ‘jewel on the hill’ has remained an emblem of the city for many who grew up in the Everton and Kirkdale area and was a core community asset until its closure over two decades ago as a result of a reduction in library services.
A new campaign to reopen Everton Library was launched in October and is looking to carry out a transformational project that would deliver a multi-purpose community hub with aims of maintaining the iconic structure for another 125 years.
The plans to carry out remedial works, which would be the first step in the project, were delayed back in October for a process of reapproval.
Now signed off by cabinet, the £92,000 will go towards works required to secure the structure of the building and ensure it doesn’t fall into further disrepair.
Polly Moseley, one of the figures at the heart of the campaign, told the ECHO in October that “the community wants to see action now”, adding: “There is a shared concern among the community and campaign that another winter could cause major structural problems.”
Speaking after the £92,000 had been signed off for essential works to take place, Ms Moseley explained that there are still worries about the damage that can be caused by bad weather and storms before work is able to begin in the new year.
She told the ECHO: “We've had storms and we're looking at more so hopefully the work can start as soon as possible in the new year.
“The damage is ongoing every time that the weather is bad, so there is a sense of urgency to get this work done.
“The residents nearby are having to look at the building every day. We need to look at what the building means to the local community in terms of civic neglect. Simple things like reinstalling the alarms and electricity would make a real difference to how the local community can regard it as a positive project.”
The restoration project, which would see the 125 year old library become home to a café, creative workspaces and a family research unit for locals known as ‘the lost tribe of Everton’, is aiming to be funded with further support from Liverpool City Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund.
