The Athenaeum is the 'village hall' for Heversham and Leasgill. The name was provided by the Argles estate which bequeathed the building to the community.

The wealth of the Argles family came from shipping, based in Liverpool. Mr. Argles was a member of the Athenaeum in Liverpool and brought this title to what became the Athenaeum at Leasgill, initially a penny reading library.

The Athenaeum is now run on a non-profit making basis by a Management Committee on the behalf of the Parish.

The Athenaeum underwent major refurbishment in the late 1990s and now provides a large hall which can take 100 with seating or 150 non-seated.
The large hall has a portable stage that can be arranged in various configurations, a permanent projection screen and an induction loop system for hearing aid users.
There is also a smaller room which can seat around 15 and which is typically used for committee meetings.

Kitchen facilities are available. Access for the disabled is provided. There is ample car parking.

Regular activities at the Athenaeum include:

	Badminton	Old Time Dancing
	Yoga classes	Lecture groups
	Children's Dancing classes	Indoor Bowling
	WI Activities	After School Club
	Snooker Club	Craft Fairs

The Athenaeum is available for private bookings and is popular for children's parties and dances.

Charges in 2001/02 for use of the Athenaeum include a standard £10.50 per hour for use of the whole building but other rates are available depending on usage and user.

The Athenaeum is run on a non-profit making concern by a Management Committee on the behalf of the Parish.