Hello…here’s your latest update from Kents Bank Station Library (August 17 2026)
We’ve been fortunate in receiving many very welcome donations, including a large quantity of overseas railway periodicals. We’re trying to find places to store hem or suitable homes to pass them on to. Our big problem is space…..We’re conscious that we can’t leave books out in the yard (although it’s covered) as Autumn approaches. So we’ll be passing on some duplicate copies to friendly organisations – if you’re a heritage railway or similar, do get in touch if you could use some good quality railway books. We have about a thousand duplicate books which we sell to raise money for the library and we’ll be having a presence at the Barrow Model Railway Show, East Lancs Autumn Steam Gala, and other events if we’re able to resource them (they’re very volunteer-intensive). From early next year we should have a superb 009 gauge model of a Furness Haemetite mine railway which once operated in the Lindal area.
Thanks to the hard work of Philip we now have a lovely sitting-out area between the gallery and library, it’s a nice shaded spot, perfect for the hot weather we’ve been having. It complements our pop-up station buffet downstairs. We’re looking for a few more planters (and plants) if you have any you’d like to donate.
The Gallery is now running a superb new exhibition of work by Angie Mitchell – she will be doing a ‘meet the artist’ event on Sunday September 13th, from 15.00. Come and join us – there will be drinks and snacks available and if the weather is good we can adjourn to the foreshore afterwards.
Our next MIC (Mutual Improvement Class) will be on Wednesday September 9th, 14.00, on the subject of ‘North West Steam in the 60s’ – illustrated by images never before seen! Probably a joint gig between myself and John Kitchen – so expect a strong Bolton/Stockport flavour, as well as Furness Line. Please ring in advance to book your place – 07795 008691. We’ve several new publications in the pipeline including a new addition of our popular ‘Northern Rail Heritage’.
We’ve been able to welcome several new volunteers for both the gallery and library. If you’re interested in doing a day or two a month, in either (or both) the library/gallery, please get in touch.
We’ve a couple more events coming up which I’ll do a separate mailing for – the Platform Poets which will be meeting in the Library on Wednesday September 23rd at 7.30 with Jennifer Copley and friends. We’re doing a special one-off evening with work from Anton Floyd on the experience of emigration/refugees. We’ll be selling his book ‘Depostions’ which is in five languages – Welsh, Irish, Gaelic, English and Lallans Scots. We’ll do an additional reading in Lancashire dialect, as well as Welsh and Irish! There will be a charge of £20 for this event which includes a copy of the finely produced book, with refreshments. All proceeds to the UN High Commission for Refugees. Date to be announced, but copies of the book arefor sale in the Library and Gallery. Let me know if you’re interested in attending.
Finally, we welcome friends of the library to become formal ‘supporters’ (i you aren’t already…)- it’s £25 a year and it goes towards helping with general upkeep, purchases for those specia lbooks which fill important gaps, new publications, furniture, and organising events and activities. If you aren’t a supporter already, you can become one by sending a bank transfer to Station Library CIC sort code 08 92 99 account 67423523. Please use reference SUPPORTER. You can also cheques to The Station Library CIC, Station House, Kentsford Road, Grange-over-Sands LA11 7BB. If you’d like to support the Gallery details are: sort code 08 92 00 account 69369533 using reference FRIEND OF BHG. Even better, call in and buy a piece of quality, locally-made art!
Gallery and Library both open Fridays, Saturday and Sunday as well as Bank Holiday Mondays 11.00 to 16.00.
Enjoy a slightly cooler late summer and hope to see you at one of our events soon.
best wishes
Paul
07795 008691
The Station Library, staffed entirely by volunteers, is a community interest company managing a collection of over 10,000 railway and transport-related books. The library is open to the public and is free to use.