Who we are

The Birkdale Community Hub & Library charity was formed after the closure in 2013 of Birkdale’s council run library. Significant local feeling wanted a replacement for our library and a decision was made to try to employ the disused old Station Master’s House attached to Birkdale Station in Southport.

A lease was negotiated with Merseyrail and Network Rail so that we could upgrade the dilapidated building. At the same time a big fund raising effort was instituted. After several years of ups and downs, and a lot of hard work, the lease was agreed. By late 2019 there were enough funds for renovation work to start. After more support from both organisations and individuals the majority of the building work, furnishing and equipping was completed by October 2020 in the teeth of the Covid pandemic.

The Covid crisis meant that, although ready, we were not be able to open until mid 2021.  We now have over 60 volunteers and  5000+ books including many large print. The Station Master’s House has three meetings rooms all with internet connected TVs and ethernet ports,  and there is wifi connectivity throughout. One of the meeting rooms is a computer suite with six high spec PCs free to use for members (and membership is free).

In 2021 we installed a modern lift system for disabled access to the upper floor meeting room suites. We have also opened an annexe at Birkdale Methodist Church, which offers limited hours library facilities.

In 2022 we said thank you three of our long standing trustees –  Sylvia Thompson,Sally Moss and John Pugh, who stood down. Sadly and unexpectedly we also lost Roger Fieldhouse through a sudden illness. All are greatly missed, but we welcomed Wendy, Rhona, Jo, Kim and Tony as new trustees bringing new skills and enthusiasm. In late 2022 Rhona left us and in early 2023 we were joined by Cath French.