Library re-opens after refurbishments transforms it into a modern and accessible hub.
Part of this story was published by the Barnsley Chronicle.
PENISTONE library re-opened last week after having undergone an amazing refurbishment.
The library opened its doors again on April 20 after having closed on September 3 2025. The re-opening marked its 60th anniversary, with an official reopening ceremony coming later in the year.
The library has now undergone its 11th refurbishment, with its 12th to come in future years, welcoming new services to turn it from a much loved building into a modern, accessible community hub.
This refurbishment is part of the council’s ongoing libraries refurbishment programme. And while the libraries has undergone a colourful redesign, featuring the Penistone railway viaduct and its lush surrounding landscape, it can now offer so much more.
Some of the services now available at the library include a family hub, a 0-19 public health nursing service, a midwifery team, disability services, as well as adult skills and community learning assistances.
Anna Hartley, the executive director for public health and communities at the Barnsley council, said: “The overall aim is to improve library facilities for residents alongside a whole range of other useful services in a single accessible location.
“Reading is a massive factor in lifetime success, the earlier the better. Getting a baby in there, looking at books, that will have a big impact on their brain development.
“Libraries provide a welcoming public space for people. You can access books but you can also access a lot more, for example computers, you can get magazines, newspapers.
“They also provide loads of brilliant social activities, such as robot making for young people.
But according to Anna Hartley, the library is not just about accessing resources, it is at the centre of the Penistone community.
“It’s a community hub where everyone’s welcome, everyone can go, it’s free and can make your life better and richer, it really helps people’s education as well.
“Loneliness is a terrible light on our communities. Being lonely has the same impact on your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Libraries really address issues of loneliness and social isolation; they bring communities together.”
The library’s refurbishment has been a great success among the local community as well.
Ann McCall Evans, Penistone local and member of the Penistone Archive & Heritage Group on Facebook, said: “I can honestly say it looks amazing; the thought and design are inspiring.
“Well done Penistone.”