Lytham Institute

The building - more recently known as Lytham library - was originally built as a Mechanics Institute. Opened on 30th August 1878 at a cost of £3000, it included a small library of books and a reading room.

In 1898 a new reading room, gymnasium and classrooms were added at a cost of £1500. The extension was added to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee and opened by the Duke of Norfolk.

Later, in 1922, the library became part of the Municipal Borough of Lytham St Annes. That was at the time when St Anne’s on the Sea and Lytham Urban District Councils were amalgamated. In 1974 the administration of the library was taken over by Lancashire County Council.

In September 2016 the library use ceased (the library is now accommodated at nearby Assembly Rooms), rooms are used by community groups and the Trust is planning to reinvigorate the Institute.

The charitable objective of Lytham Institute is:
“To further or benefit the residents of Lytham and the neighbourhood, without distinction of sex, sexual orientation, race or of political, religious, or other opinions by providing facilities in the interests of social welfare for education, recreation and leisure time occupation, including cultural and art exhibitions, with the objective of improving the conditions of life for the residents.”

The building has been well preserved and it is easy to imagine the public enjoying the reading room, gymnasium and classrooms etc. in the 19th & 20th century.

Timings & Tours

Saturday 13 September:

1000-1500

Saturday 20 September:

1000-1500

Location & directions

Public Library, Lytham Institute and Hewitt Lecture Room, 27 Clifton Street, Lytham, Lancashire, FY8 5EP

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

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