Kents Bank Station Library officially opened by Network Rail chairman

chairman, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill, officially opened a new railway library at Kents Bank station, on the Lancaster to Barrow line, in late January. Kents Bank Station Library is the only publicly accessible library in the UK dedicated to railways and public transport located on a working station. It is mainly a free reference library, open by appointment, but the team working on the project are also developing a small lending section, with a small number of books available for sale. The library has a growing collection of more than 3000 titles, with an emphasis on social and community history of railways and transport generally. While the bulk of the material has come from a private collection donated to the library, a large number of books have been supplied by various supporters of the project, and further donations are welcome. Unveiled as part of the opening celebrations was an original Kents Bank station totem sign, which was successfully purchased for the library following a crowdfunding appeal supported by about 30 donors, raising just over £2000 for its purchase, with a small surplus used to support the library’s ongoing development.

The library is managed by a small volunteer committee, and open days are held on the second Saturday of each month, with talks on various aspects of railway history held on the second Wednesday of each month. Admission is free but donations are welcome, and the library can be opened by appointment for individuals and groups. Further information can be found at www.stationlibrary.org.uk