So 2019, the year we started work on The Old Library, is coming to a close. There's been some exciting progress recently with 95% of the windows now glazed and plastering underway in the Boys & Girls reading room and Entrance Hall. All the roof truss repairs are now complete, which is brilliant news, along with the joists of the first floor gallery and the wooden panelling from the centre of the building has been removed to allow internal works to progress. Some of the replica cornices have been made and recently arrived on site (see the photo below). These will start to be installed once the final timber repairs to the frameworks that support the plaster ceilings are finished.

On the outside of the building, repairs to the external masonry & pointing are underway and restoration of the cupola (the tower over the main entrance) is now complete. The scaffolding has started to come down so the view from Green Lane is beginning to look quite impressive!

However, we're not out of the woods yet. Those who receive our monthly newsletter will know that the level of damp inside the building after standing empty for so long has caused serious rot across much of the wood inside the building, including that which supports the historic plaster ceilings. Sadly, this meant that we lost the Entrance Hall ceiling a few months ago after it collapsed and the dramatic central rooflight above what will become the cafe area is also at risk. We cannot afford to lose any more of this special building’s unique & historic character. Work is already underway to re-mould and recreate these beautiful structures over the next few months but the additional costs of this mean that we desperately need some extra help from our supporters.

We have set up a Just Giving page for anyone who would like to play their part in restoring these iconic elements of The Old Library. Your donations are vital in helping us raise the additional funds we need to complete these historic repairs in our beloved building and meet the shortfall we face after discovering the extent and severity of damage throughout The Old Library.  Any donation - no matter how big or small – will make a difference. It’s your way of putting something real back into the fabric of the building &continuing the legacy of The Old Library. 
 
Donate here to ensure that The Old Library remains a source of support, opportunity & inspiration for local people and can be enjoyed by our community for many years to come.

We had such a lovely evening at our community Christmas party here at Lister Steps. Over 50 people joined us to enjoy mulled wine and mince pies plus we had fantastic entertainment from the JLC Choir who serenaded us with Christmas classics and crowd pleasers.

It was a great way to say thank you to everyone for another year of support for Lister Steps & The Old Library project and to wish all our friends & neighbours a very Merry Christmas!