Everton Library receives £250,000 to become flagship for heritage development

Liverpool City Council has allocated £250,000 to enable immediate essential repairs and environmental cleaning for Everton Library to take place so that the venue is able to be assessed to see how it can be redeveloped.

Built in 1896 by Thomas Shelmerdine, Everton Library is a Grade II listed building celebrated for its Jacobean and Arts and Crafts architecture. Known as the “Jewel on the Hill,” it features a turret, glass-vaulted ceiling, and ornate ironwork, reflecting Liverpool’s rich civic heritage and early public library movement.

The building has undergone significant decline and decay over the last 20 years. However, remedial and improvement works will ensure the building could return to use as a cultural and community asset.

The council will invest £250,000 to make the building as weatherproof and as environmentally clean as possible.

The funding will support the completion of a specialist condition survey – a detailed, conservation‑focused inspection and report that will record the building’s fabric, defects, and causes of decay, and then set out repair priorities.

The survey will establish what needs to be done in ways that respect the building’s historic significance and original materials.

Historic venues can be restored and become vital community assets, cultural hubs, and provide a focus for new economic growth opportunities in the communities they serve – creating jobs, developing digital skills, acting as training venues, providing council services, and becoming skills centres. The investment from Liverpool City Council ensures Everton Library will continue to form the “Golden Triangle” with St George’s Church in Everton, and Everton Park to aid the areas ongoing regeneration.

Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, said: “Liverpool City Council is being innovative and inspirational in the use of our many heritage buildings, and creating a catalyst for regeneration.

“This investment is a clear sign of how important the council views cultural assets such as Everton Library. The building has played a vital role in the history of the Everton community, and thanks to the work that will be carried out, it will have a crucial role in the future too.”

Everton North Councillor, Portia Fahey, said: “I am absolutely delighted to hear that the council are investing in cleaning and securing Everton Library. This is the first page in a brand-new chapter for the library, as we celebrate 129 years of The Jewel on the Hill.  “Many residents have fond memories of the library and will be thrilled to know that the building is being looked after by the Council and will continue to be part of the Everton heritage story.”