Alterations: Mechanics Institute St James’s Street, Bacup

The mechanics' institute at Bacup was reopened by the Bishop of Manchester on Tuesday week, after the completion of extensive alterations, including new floors, windows, and an entirely new roof. Messrs. Whitaker and New, of Rochdale, were the architects, and the cost has been over £1,250. [Building News 16 February 1883 page 208]

Now the public library, the original Mechanics Institute opened in July 1846.

Reference           Building News 16 February 1883 page 208