December 22nd 2025
AWASH WITH AWARDS: UNIQUE STATION LIBRARY WINS ACCOLADES
Kents Bank Station Library, on the Furness Line between Lancaster and Barrow, has been honoured with the prestigious ‘Lancastrian Award 2025’, covering the area traditionally known as ‘Lancashire North of the Sands’. This recognition celebrates the Library’s dedication to the North’s railway heritage and history. In addition it has been shortlisted for two entries in the national Community Rail Awards for 2026, which will be held in Derby in March.
Since its opening in January 2024, the Library has welcomed visitors from across the region and beyond. Guests can explore an extensive collection of railway books on aspects of railway and wider transport history, enjoy a growing lending section, and browse books and model railway equipment for sale.
The library hosts regular exhibitions, informal talks at the ‘Mutual Improvement Class’, poetry readings and offers complimentary teas and coffee at the pop-up station buffet. It recently published a collection of railway ghost stories, set in the North-West (‘The Loco Vanishes – Northern Rail Mysteries’).
Prof. Paul Salveson, manager of the Library (a community interest company run by volunteers) said “We are really thrilled to receive this recognition. Kents Bank was part of the ancient North Lonsdale Hundred and remains part of the historic County Palatine of Lancashire, though it transferred to the administrative area of Cumbria in 1974 and more recently became part of Westmorland and Furness Council. Many local people, as well as visitors from Grange, Ulverston, Barrow, Broughton and surrounding communities still strongly identify as Lancastrians. But we welcome visitors from anywhere and everywhere,” he added. “Recently we have had visitors from Budapest, the Isle of Skye and Switzerland!”
Kents Bank is a wonderful destination—whether walking or taking the train from Grange-over-Sands. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful station gardens and the stunning artwork at the neighbouring Beach Hut Gallery.
Friends of Real Lancashire said, “This award is a testament to the vibrant community that supports Kents Bank Station Library. We hope this award will entice even more visitors in the future! Congratulations to everyone at Kents Bank Station Library.”
The Library, and adjoining The Beach Hut Gallery, is open Friday to Sunday 11.00 to 16.00 “We invite everyone, Lancastrians, Cumbrians, Yorkshire folk and neighbours from Westmorland to come along and see what’s on offer at our wonderful place,” said Paul
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Details 07795 008691
Kents Bank Station library: https://stationlibrary.org.uk
Kentsford Road, Grange-over-Sands LA11 7BB
07795 008691 Email: info@stationlirary.org.uk