alisonlittleblog

Breck Road in Liverpool, once a vibrant and bustling route between the city centre and Anfield Stadium, is now eerily quiet. Shuttered storefronts have become the norm—more reminiscent of pandemic-era lockdowns than everyday life in 2025. Now, another vital community pillar is under threat: Breck Road Library.

Over the past two decades, Breck Road has witnessed a steady erosion of its commercial landscape. Once home to three major banks—Barclays, HSBC, and most recently Lloyds—these institutions have all closed their doors. The corner once occupied by Farm Foods remains vacant, a stark symbol of decline. Though some retailers like Heron have transformed into thriving discount stores, these changes can’t mask the broader issue: Breck Road is in danger of becoming a forgotten part of Liverpool.

At the heart of this struggle is Breck Road Library, which now faces permanent closure. A library of some kind has served this community since the 19th century, beginning with the Rawdon Reading Rooms on Breck Road. Donated by a wealthy wool merchant, the original building still stands, though it’s now used by a religious organisation that has attracted controversy by offering gay conversion therapies.

The current library opened in 1999 and has served the community for over 25 years. It survived the pandemic, economic hardship, and social deprivation. For many—including myself—it was a place of solace and recovery. After battling COVID and finding myself unable to access the e-library due to an expired card, I made my way, masked and exhausted, to Breck Road Library. The staff, ever welcoming, renewed my membership and reignited my love for reading—even as brain fog lingered for months.

But its future hangs in the balance.

Debbie Stokes, librarian and local activist, expressed deep concern:

“It costs the council £400,000 a year to run Allerton Library. They pay our organisation, Alt Valley, just £50,000 to run Breck Road Library. They can afford daffodils for Allerton, but there’s no investment in a deprived area that needs these services more.”

Breck Road Library is more than a place to borrow books. It’s a community hub offering children’s activities, employment support, cinema screenings, and a safe space for social interaction. From coffee mornings to local meetings, it’s a lifeline in an area with few resources.

Here’s How You Can Help Save Breck Road Library:

• Support local businesses along Breck Road—every purchase counts.
• Visit the library: borrow a book and sign the petition in person.
• Sign the online petition to keep the library open.
• Write to the local counsellor, Billy Marrat, to request his assistance

Breck Road deserves better. Let’s fight to preserve this vital community resource before it’s too late.

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