Golborne Library

Very helpful staff
Nov 22nd, 2022

Lovely library, the staff here were all really friendly and were great with my 5 year old daughter when she joined
Nov 12th, 2022

Last time I visited was for a 3pm meeting with someone from Wigan MBC. The library was very quiet (Like yea I know, wow, a quiet library!)....In all honesty, I've been in libraries that are as noisy as a pub, so I thought I'd mention it. The place was clean and obsessive-level tidy. I wish there was more "Outside light" available, the windows in the main room were small, relying on artificial light to read by. This might just be me but I seem to get less eye strain/reading headaches if the book is illuminated by natural light. There were six pcs available on desks that didn't offer a lot of privacy. The staff on duty were friendly and courteous and be although I didn't put them to the test I'm sure they were all very knowledgeable. There were no public toilets or washing facilities when I visited. I believe that there has been a funding request and modernisation proposal submitted to the local government. I hope all (Or even just some) of it gets green-lit. I realise I've listed a few negative points in this review but they by no means take away the overall opinion I have for Golborne library........ I like it there. My thoughts on libraries in the modern age........... Libraries in the modern digital age struggle for relevance and struggle for funding. It is often said that to survive they need to "Modernise". What does that actually mean though? Do they need to transform into "Internet cafs" - I'd suggest not, given how popular internet cafs are now (Given the populous' embracing of mobile tech along with data plans that in real terms are an order of magnitude cheaper than a decade ago). So how do they compete? Many current successful libraries have adopted an operation model that relies heavily on service diversification. They take on roles previously held by churches, community centres and even CABs - offering rooms up in evening so local clubs can meet and offering rooms in the day so council representatives or CAB employees can offer advice and guidance on things like benefits, disability issues, help with mental health, help filling in forms (From a puppies for sale advert to a disability discrimination complaint), even local council meetings if pertinent to that local area. Some folk even want the visceral "Book in the hand" thing so they could still lend books out as well. Obviously all this needs significant investment, but given Golborne library's history of being on the council's expenditure reduction list only to be saved by the efforts and lobbying of a few dedicated local folk, it's hard to have any confidence that sufficient funding is available. Given Golborne's decline from a "Community" perspective over the last 2 decades it'd be a shame if the library couldn't afford to modernise and a travesty if it were forced to close..........There's a reason that many new housing developments include a dedicated building that's intended to be used as a "Community Hub"
Sep 11th, 2022

The Library is well organized with polite and helpful staff. Good computer facilities.
Jun 25th, 2022

Very friendly very helpful
Feb 12th, 2022