The £5.2m library has relocated into modern premises to meet the needs of its 21st century users.

Emma Hornby

Emma met fans of her work during the opening and signed books for them.

She said: "I was always at the library as a kid and with my own when they were younger, and it’s nice because there are so many closing down now, so to see a new one being opened it’s lovely.

“I’m sure people will use it and enjoy it and they should because that’s what keeps them open. Use them."

Emma encouraged people to read to young ones.

She said: "Start them young. Not just one at bedtime, during the day, any time, just read with them. They love it."

Tyler Smith dropped by with his two children, Isla, aged one, and new-born Freddie.

He said: “We only live around the corner so having the convenience of the library on the doorstep and the new facilities it means that I can have half a day out and spend time with them but it’s something different.

“It looks great, they’ve done a really, really good job and hopefully it’ll bring people into the village as well.”

The library has relocated in a community hub, which will also house the health centre in the very near future.

Bolton Mayor Cllr Linda Thomas officially opened the library.

New Little Lever Library

Cllr Sean Hornby, ward councillor, said: “The original library was the second best used library in Bolton outside the town centre and it wasn’t big enough. We had to move on.

“The opening has been well attended, people are impressed. The membership of the library has gone up this morning so we’re looking forward to it being successful.”

Ward councillors gather for opening of Little Lever's new library

The facility is powered by 80 solar panels.

“We’re ticking every green agenda box there is,” Cllr Hornby added, “and we’ve got the most advanced health centre and library in the North West of England. That’s a first for Bolton Council.”

Cllr Andrea Taylor-Burke said: “We’ve got six primary schools as well as the high school who are all really interested in getting more involved.

“I’ve been working with the high school and a lot of the teenagers want to be able to come and use this space.”