SEVERAL keen photographers charted the changing face of Barnoldswick, and fortunately some of this valuable work has found its way into the town’s history society archives. Three public building projects transformed the face of the town, and laid the foundations for the bustling and attractive town in which we now live. The first was the opening of the swimming pool in 1981 followed in quick succession by the opening of the library in 1988 and the town square in 1990.
The new library was an instant hit in Barnoldswick. The building was light, airy and full of character with its engine house windows and a central staircase which curved back on itself to reach a first-floor balcony and exhibition area. The Craven Herald reported at the time: "The doors of Barnoldswick’s new library were barely open before residents began flooding in to get their first long-awaited glimpse of the new interior.
.. A queue was already beginning to form outside.
.. There was no time for the six-strong staff to relax and admire their new surroundings as they were inundated with customers.
The library quickly became overcrowded as children on Easter holiday, local councillors and others took the opportunity to look round." There was plenty to see. It had been equipped with the latest technology, offered study and display areas, a greatly improved children’s section and facilities for the disabled.
"Local historians will be happy,’ continued the Herald, "to discover a section of the stock devote.
