WINSFORD Library is to get a major facelift to bring it roaring into the 21st century.

Library staff fear the out-dated exterior is putting people of coming in and exloring what it actually has to offer.

Friends group Our Winsford Library (OWL) have teamed up with Groundwork Cheshire to kick-start plans for its rejuvenation, but are looking for input from the public to make the exterior more welcoming.

Ian Anstice, librarian in charge, said he hopes the makeover will increase the library’s appeal.

He said: “Winsford Library is a wonderful resource but it is let down by its exterior which can mislead passers-by that the library is not worth going into.

“This project is a wondeful opportunity to dispel that myth and create something welcoming that will boost the town and the library.”

James Kerr, project manager at Groundwork Cheshire, added: “The space outside the library could be transformed into a real community asset. OWL is working hard to discover what the community would like to see in the space and find out ways of attracting more passers-by to the library.”

A public consultation – funded by Cheshire West and Chester Council and OWL – has now been launched to find out what users and shoppers would like to see done. Questionnaires are available from the library and OWL will also be organising a meeting in the not too distant future.

OWL chairman David Edwards said: “Transforming the entrance was one of the ideas at the first meeting of OWL in March 2009 and I’m delighted that this project has taken off.”