Published Tuesday 21 October 2025 at 10:26
It’s a big week for Blackburn with Darwen Library Service!
Not only are staff and volunteers celebrating 50 proud years of Blackburn Central Library in Town Hall Street, but they’ve also just launched a brand-new website – packed full of useful information and free resources for residents.
The new site includes everything from opening times and contact details for all five libraries, to a comprehensive ‘What’s On’ guide showcasing the 40+ sessions held each week – everything from reading clubs to digital workshops, LEGO Club, live performances, Library Larks, IT courses and much more.
There’s also a wealth of digital resources to explore, including the popular BorrowBox app, where members can enjoy free access to audiobooks, e-books, newspapers and magazines – all from the comfort of home.
Fittingly, the launch also coincides with Get Online Week (October 20–26), which encourages people to explore the benefits of being online.
Adele Karwat, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Service Manager for Libraries and Archives, said:
Our library service has come an incredibly long way – especially in the 50 years since Blackburn Central Library opened in Town Hall Street.
Back then, around 400 people a day were registering as members, and the focus was very much on books.
Of course, books are still a big part of who we are today, but our offer is now much broader and ever developing.
We host more than 40 different sessions every week across our libraries – everything from digital workshops to family-friendly activities.
We’re also home to vital community services including Shelter, Age UK and Care Network, and residents can access an incredible range of online resources completely free of charge.
The new website features a dedicated section for digital tools, including BorrowBox, language-learning platforms, and Cotton Town – a fascinating online archive celebrating Blackburn with Darwen’s rich industrial and cultural heritage.
Adele added:
People are often shocked and really pleasantly surprised by how much they can access for free with a library membership.
Our BorrowBox service is especially popular – offering e-books, audiobooks, daily newspapers and magazines without charge.
We’re also proud to host Cotton Town, which attracts visitors from around the world, and in our libraries, we also offer access to the likes of Ancestry UK and even tools to help with driving theory test revision.
The new website can be found at www.bwdlibraries.com
For those who need it, library membership can be set up quickly and easily online, and if further support is needed, including for existing membership, contact details for each library can be found under the ‘Our Libraries’ section of the website.
Of course, staff are always on hand to help too.
Councillor Quesir Mahmood, Deputy Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council and Executive Member for Growth and Development, said:
We know just how loved and well-used our libraries are.
The new website is a brilliant showcase of everything they offer – from the packed ‘What’s On’ guide to the fantastic digital resources and community support.
For generations, libraries have been at the very heart of our communities, and now residents can enjoy even more of what they offer from home too, important as we know just how busy people are.
This Get Online Week is the perfect time to explore the new website and see what’s available. I hope residents will give it a try and make the most of it.
To celebrate both Get Online Week and the 50th anniversary of Blackburn Central Library, a full programme of special events is taking place this week.
The full timetable of activities can be found on the new website: www.bwdlibraries.com