A POPULAR public library in Barrow is closed until further notice following a fire in the property on Wednesday night (May 3).

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service attended the incident at Roose Library, in Roose Road, to extinguish flames in the single-storey building shortly after 8pm.

Nobody was hurt in the incident and no other properties were affected.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.

A joint investigation is by ongoing Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service and Cumbria Police who were in attendance yesterday evening.

Library users are asked to use alternative libraries in the area with the nearest being Barrow Library in Ramsden Square.

A spokesman for Westmorland and Furness Council said:

"This is very sad news and we share the community's shock and disappointment, but are grateful that no one was hurt.

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"We now need to let the police and fire service investigation take its course, fully assess the damage to the building and the library, and then consider our next steps.

"In the meantime, Barrow Library provides an excellent alternative, and staff there will provide a warm welcome."

Alarm spread throughout the town when the first eyewitness accounts and images began to emerge on social media.

Paul Griffiths, founder of Roosecote Community Hub, feared the worst when the extent of the fire became apparent but when it became clear nobody was hurt his thoughts turned to the future of this valued community asset.

"I heard about the fire late last night and my first thoughts were whether anyone was injured", he said

"A local Westmorland and Furness Councillor was able to reassure me that nobody was injured but it does seem that the damage is quite extensive.

"I know Roose Library is popular with Roosecote residents young and old.

"Apart from the great facilities the library offers, an added benefit is that it encourages many people to walk from Roose.

"I often pass people, that I know, on their way home with a new selection of books.

"I think the whole community is relieved that nobody seems to have been injured and look forward to seeing it reopened as soon as possible."