Lister Steps at The Old Library

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Lister Steps at The Old Library

Community, Events Venue, Cafe, Childcare Since 1905, The Old Library has been a symbol of hope in L13.
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Funded by wealthy philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, this iconic building was donated to the people of Liverpool as a safe space for learning and served four generations as a much-loved local library until it closed & fell into disrepair in 2006. With so many fond memories of The Old Library, local charity Lister Steps knew this special building was an important part of our community’s shared heritag

e and in 2012, we embarked on the long journey to bring it back to life. Thanks to funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and support from Liverpool City Council, we have repaired, restored & re-designed the building into a multi-use venue for events, learning and fun. We are proud to call The Old Library our new home and thrilled to welcome you back through its doors!

07/12/2023

‼️LIMITED AVAILABILITY‼️

This event is proving to be very popular.
Book tickets to avoid disappointment.

Http://the-old-library.square.site/

06/12/2023

Unfortunately our café will be serving drinks only today. We apologise for any inconvenience.

06/12/2023

🎄🎶CHRISTMAS CONCERT🎶🎄

Sunday 17th December/5pm-7pm

Gather round as we serenade you with timeless holiday classics and let the joyous melodies fill your heart with the spirit of the season.
We have a special guest appearance featuring the fabulous Pop Voices choir from Gateacre School 🙌🎶
Book your tickets now and sing along to all your festive favourites. 🎄🎤

Http://the-old-library.square.site/

There are still spaces on this fabulous workshop tomorrow, please email community@tol.org.uk to book on!

05/12/2023

There are still spaces on this fabulous workshop tomorrow, please email [email protected] to book on!

05/12/2023

🙌 Happy International Volunteer Day to our incredible volunteer team! Your dedication inspires us every day. 💫

05/12/2023

🎄 Join us for an afternoon of festive fun, games, and delicious refreshments that'll sprinkle some extra cheer into your day🎄

Tomorrow @ 12pm!

✨ No need to book, just show up and get involved - everyone welcome! ✨

04/12/2023

Plenty of free toys ready to be collected to whoever wants them as part of our Christmas Toy Give Away! 🧸

03/12/2023

01/12/2023

Happy 1st December!

Join us in spreading joy this season! 🎁

Our toy giveaway at Lister Steps at The Old Library is here to make Christmas brighter. Whether new or pre-loved, there's a special toy waiting to be given a new home.

Swing by Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 3 PM, and let's make this Christmas unforgettable! 🎄✨

Donations of toys will also be greatly appreciated! Thank you for your ongoing support.

30/11/2023

Still spaces left on this amazing workshop!

👻✍️ Unleash your inner storyteller at our FREE 'How to Write a Ghost Story' workshop! Join ArtsGroupie CIC on December 6th at The Old Library. 📚🌙

Perfect for ages 16+, discover the secrets to crafting spine-tingling tales! Limited spots available—reserve yours now by emailing [email protected]!

30/11/2023

'Why do we do it?" by Susan Bennett.

Another fabulous blog post by Susan Bennett as part of our Family History Research Group.

Thank you for another great read!

29/11/2023

Over the past few months we have been working closely with student photographer Jennifer Murray on capturing The Old Library at it's best as part of one of her modules.

A big thank you to our Family History Research Group and Rejuvenate Wellbeing CIC yoga class for letting Jennifer capture you in action!

"I loved working in The Old library these past few months because it has been able to help me understand the history of the library and the importance that it has to the community to the people who have been able to make the building a great safe space for people to work, do lessons and have a chat. It is a brilliant place that is bursting with history and is able to thrive in the modern age through the ways of social media. It has been a pleasure working here and I will cherish my time there."

Take a look at what she has captured below!

28/11/2023

🎄 Festive Cheer 🎄

Immerse yourself in the enchanting melodies of the season at our spectacular Christmas concert! 🎶

Join us for a magical night filled with live music, mesmerizing guest singers, and the harmonious voices of a joyous choir.

Experience the festive spirit in every note as we celebrate the magic of Christmas together.

Don't miss this unforgettable musical journey – get your tickets now and make your holiday season truly extraordinary!

http://the-old-library.square.site/

🌟🎅🎤

27/11/2023

🎄✨ Urgent Call for Holiday Heroes! 🙏

Join us in spreading Christmas joy by volunteering at our big Christmas dinner on Monday 4th December.

If you can help out, please email [email protected] 🤝🌟

"

27/11/2023

A fabulous morning of Christmas Crafts with our wonderful friends at Strengthening Wellbeing Together CIC !!

🎄 Magical Christmas Craft Morning for Little Ones! 🎄

Join us for a festive morning of creativity and joy at our special Christmas Craft Session!

Date: Wednesday, 20th December
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Cost: £4.99 per child
Venue: Lister Steps at The Old Library L13

What to Expect:
Bring your little ones for a delightful Christmas craft event designed especially for preschool children and their grown-ups. Enjoy some festive fun and celebrate the magic of Christmas together!

Spaces are limited, so don't miss out! Reserve your spot now for a morning filled with laughter, creativity, and the spirit of Christmas.

Booking link https://www.strengtheningwellbeingtogether.co.uk/whats-on 🎄

27/11/2023

Is it too soon to mention Christmas? We don't think so!

Celebrate Christmas with us this December with lots of fun things coming up! On the 6th December we will be hosting a festive day of fun so come along and celebrate with us.

Every Thursday afternoon at 2pm in December we will be showing a different Christmas film for free, no need to book, just show up!

If you would like to book onto the Creative Writing workshop on Wednesday 6th, please contact [email protected]

25/11/2023

🎄 Christmas Events Programme 🎄

Events are selling out fast!
Tickets available

http://the-old-library.square.site/

24/11/2023

🎶LIVE TONIGHT 🎶

Limited amount of tickets will be available on the door, or book online
Http://the-old-library.square.site

👻✍️ Unleash your inner storyteller at our FREE 'How to Write a Ghost Story' workshop! Join ArtsGroupie CIC on December ...

23/11/2023

22/11/2023

Congratulations to Kirsty, who correctly guessed the name of our fabulous witch Agnes.
Thank you to everyone who took part and helped raise money for our wonderful charity

22/11/2023

At Flourishing Babies, every giggle, every milestone, and every cuddle is a reason to celebrate parenthood.

Join our Wellbeing Together CIC for Flourishing Babies for a morning of baby yoga, singing and fun! 🎉👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

22/11/2023

🎄Christmas Concert🎄

Join us as we sing some of the best-loved festive songs and tell the story of Christmas through words and music in an evening not to be missed.
Book tickets
http://the-old-library.square.site/

21/11/2023

A huge congratulations to our competition winner Val, who has won the £50 shopping voucher for doing our survey!

Thank you to everyone who took part. Our survey has now closed and we are currently evaluating the results, which will help us shape Lister Steps moving forward.

We would also like to thanks Tesco Old Swan for donating the voucher!

18/11/2023

🎶Live Music🎶
The Archives
Friday 24th November

Less than a week and they’re back!!
Expect a night of Blue Note and swing classics. This is the last chance to see our amazing house band this year, so get your tickets quick! 🎶🎶

http://the-old-library.square.site/

17/11/2023

As the festive season fast approaches, we are calling for donations of Christmas decorations to help turn The Old Library in a winter wonderland. 🎄🧑‍🎄
Donations of new, unwanted gifts would also be greatly appreciated as raffle prizes for our upcoming events.

17/11/2023

Always a pleasure to have our friends Strengthening Wellbeing Together CIC in. 😊

16/11/2023

‼️PLEASE NOTE:‼️
Due to unforeseen circumstances this performance will now be postponed until the New Year.
Keep checking back as the new date will be announced soon.
Anyone who has bought tickets will receive a full refund.
Sorry for any inconvenience caused.

15/11/2023

🎶LIVE MUSIC🎶

Mike_Ryan

This will be Mike’s first time performing here at The Old Library and we can’t wait!
Snap those tickets up! Support local musicians and help us to bring live music to the community.

POLITE NOTICE: We would be very grateful if you intend to come to this event that you pre-book your tickets from the following link, so we have an idea of seating and numbers.

http://the-old-library.square.site/

14/11/2023

🎄FESTIVE FUN NIGHT🎄

Kick December off in full seasonal swing!
Join us for some festive family fun. 🎄🧑‍🎄

Tickets are likely to go very quickly for this event, so please pre-book to avoid disappointment.

http://the-old-library.square.site/

14/11/2023

Calling all wordsmiths, storytellers, and aspiring authors!

Join our Creative Writers Group, where words flow freely, creativity knows no bounds, and everyone's story is celebrated.

Every Tuesday 3.30-4.30pm 📝📚

13/11/2023

🎄Christmas Dinner 🎄

Gather round your nearest and dearest and join us for a seasonal feast filled with festive cheer. 🧑‍🎄

We are privileged to have our fantastic local school choir, St Anne’s, who will be joining us at 2pm and getting us all in the Christmas spirit. 🎶🎶🎶

Availability for this event is VERY limited and is likely to sell out quickly.
Book your tickets at

http://the-old-library.square.site/

11/11/2023

It’s a real privilege to have Strengthening Wellbeing Together CIC based in The Old Library. Nicola’s passion and dedication for her work has had such a positive impact in the community and it’s a pleasure to watch people building relationships and supporting each other in her groups.
Not only is Strengthening well-being together a huge asset to us, Nicola herself has become a pivotal part of our work too. Always there with a helping hand 😊
We love you Nic ❤️

Introducing Nicola, the creator & managing director of Strengthening Wellbeing Together CIC. Born and raised in Liverpool, she's a proud mum to an amazing 10-year-old daughter —an accomplishment she treasures above all else.

During her free time, she enjoys being with family, spending time in nature, and getting stuck into a book when she gets chance. She also has a bit of a passion for learning new things.

Nicola holds a BA (Hons) degree in Childhood & Adolescence Studies and an MSc (Distinction) in Positive Psychology & Wellbeing. She also has qualifications in teaching mindfulness, coaching and in social prescribing – providing expertise and skills she uses daily in her working life.

Nicola's story is one about determination and resilience:

“After my daughter was born, I struggled with postnatal depression and anxiety. It was a difficult and scary time but with support from my family and therapy, I found my way through. I had to step away from my old career because of the PND, but eventually I chose a brand new direction. Spurred on by my experience, I built a business supporting new mums and babies and delivering parent-baby sessions across the city. I also taught kids yoga in the community and in schools across Merseyside. I loved it, but in 2019, an idea sparked within me—to establish Strengthening Wellbeing Together. The aim was simple: to extend positive, strengths-based mental health and wellbeing support to people in Liverpool, using my experience and skills to make a positive, lasting impact in the city I love.”

Nicola set up the CIC at the start of 2020, just before the pandemic hit. The company dove headfirst into supporting mental health through those unbelievably tough times of lockdown – with no income at first. Since then Nicola has been instrumental in bringing large amounts of funding into the community each year for the many vital mental health and wellbeing projects successfully delivered by SWT.

Nicola's commitment to empowering others is the cornerstone of Strengthening Wellbeing Together's mission. Join us as we celebrate Nicola's journey, a testament to strength, perseverance, & unwavering compassion.

09/11/2023

Well done to our friends at Rejuvenate Wellbeing CIC

Thank you to the National lottery!!!
It means so much to our small business to receive funding from Awards for All - and thank you to all you lovely people who play the lottery, you may not always win the jackpot, but businesses like ours feel like we have 😊❤️ and it allows us to continue working to improve the well-being of our local communities!!
communities

08/11/2023

📸 We have had our professional photos back from our Liverpool Lives event! Thank you to everyone who joined us! 🏛️✨

We can't wait to welcome you back next year for Heritage Open Day 2024.

Until then, relive the moments captured beautifully by Paul Harris. 📷

06/11/2023

🎉Family Fun Night🎉

Thank you to everyone who came along on Saturday. It was such an amazing action packed night.
We had…
Bingo
A quiz
Pizza
Bonfire Toffee Hot Chocolate😋
Loads of prizes
A disco - but most of all lots of FUN!!!

If you couldn’t make it this time, we’ll be back for a festive themed family fun night on
Friday 1st December.
Tickets are on sale now at

http://the-old-library.square.site/

PLEASE NOTE: The date of the festive fun night has changed. If you won a voucher on Saturday printed with the old date (8th Dec) this voucher will still be valid with the new date (1st Dec)

Address

The Old Library, Green Lane
Liverpool
L137EB

Website

www.tol.org.uk

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Videos

🎉 WINNER 🎉

Congratulations to Kirsty, who correctly guessed the name of our fabulous witch Agnes. Thank you to everyone who took part and helped raise money for our wonderful charity

THE ARCHIVES

🎶LIVE MUSIC🎶 THE ARCHIVES Playing live TONIGHT In the mood for a bit of swing ? Get yourself down to The Old Library tonight and join in the fun with our house band. Sit back and enjoy your favourite drink and let the entertainment begin. 🎶🎹🎷🎺🎸 Tickets on the door £10

Thank you so much to everybody who took part in our fundraising Guess The Teddy competition! The winner is..... Hilary who chose the name Honey! If you missed out this time, we are now playing a lucky ball card. It is £1 a square and the winner will receive £20! If you would like a go, please speak to a member of staff in our café :) Thank you for your ongoing support <3

🙏 THANK YOU 🙏 Words cannot describe how truly magical last nights cafe concert was with the amazingly talented Igloo hearts. You could hear a pin drop in the room as the audience were mesmerised by the hauntingly beautiful music. Thank you so much to everyone who came along and supported this event. If you couldn’t make it last night, you can see them at Jimmy's Liverpool this Sunday.

Join in the 2.6 Challenge!

The Lister Steps team have been coming up with ideas for how we can all get involved with the #twopointsixchallenge this week. So far we've got people - drawing 26 animals 🦁 - doing 26 sofa cushion flips 🛋 - knitting 26 hearts for hospitals💙 - doing 26 star jumps ⭐️ - running 2.6 miles 🏃‍♀️ If you're taking part, make sure you send us some pics or videos of your challenge and don't forget to donate to Lister Steps or any of the other amazing UK charities who need our help fundraising at the moment https://twopointsixchallenge.justgiving.com/get-involved?charityId=2895824&iesrc=ctr

Behind the windows of The Old Library...

Our technical training day with REA Metal Windows, the local Green Lane company who are restoring and recreating the windows at The Old Library. Visit our website for information about future technical days:https://listersteps-theoldlibrary.weebly.com/on-site-opportunities.html

Project progress at The Old Library - summer 2019

Saturday is now fully booked but you can still take a tour of The Old Library this Sunday as part of our Heritage Open Days weekend. Book your free tickets here https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/visiting/event/lister-steps-the-old-library-heritage-open-weekend and check out this video made by our Community Journalist volunteers for a sneak preview!

Shortcuts

Our Story

‘We want to be the spark that makes our area better, creating positive impacts that are felt by local families, businesses and others beyond our boundaries.’

The Old Library was formally ‘The Andrew Carnegie Library’ serving the West Derby constituency in East Liverpool. Designed by architect Thomas Shelmerdine, it was the only library in Liverpool that wealthy philanthropist Andrew Carnegie chose to fund directly. Opening in 1905, this impressive and historic building served the public as a library until its closure in 2006. Now Lister Steps, with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), will restore this Grade II listed building to its former grandeur and create a landmark for the local community.

The project so far Since 2012, Lister Steps have been actively campaigning to save the former library building from further neglect. The building is currently owned by Liverpool City Council and Lister Steps gained Preferred Developer status when it was advertised for tender in 2012. A feasibility survey was carried out and Liverpool City Council funded £100, 000 of emergency holding works which took place as part of the HLF stage 1 development phase. Between August 2014 and January 2015, work took place to treat the wet and dry rot, make the building watertight and allow for ventilation.

Throughout 2015 and 2016, Lister Steps worked hard to progress their HLF application bid, appointing OMI Architects to re-design the building, raising the required match funding, developing relationships with potential delivery partners and consulting with stakeholders and the community. In November 2016, Lister Steps were awarded £3.95 million from Heritage Lottery Fund towards the full refurbishment of The Old Library and received the fantastic news that the project was approved to go ahead.