Enderby Community Library on track to launch in May

In its latest communiqué regarding progress towards the operation of Enderby Library being taken over by the community, Enderby Library Management Committee has announced that it expects to launch the new service in early May 2016.

In January 2014 Leicestershire County Council announced it intended to “protect” its 16 bigger libraries but wanted to save up to £1.4 million a year by transferring 37 of its smaller branches (including Enderby) to their respective communities. Where no community expressed interest, the Library would almost certainly close.

Under the auspices of Enderby Parish Council, a comprehensive business plan was drawn up in September 2015 and subsequently accepted by the County Council.

A Library Management Committee comprising enthusiastic volunteers and parish councillors was established in August 2015 to oversee the transition process and a number of meetings have been held since then to arrange implementation of the business plan.

Operation of the Library depends entirely on the commitment of volunteers and the Library Management Committee have been pleased to receive offers of help from local people covering a range of ages and experience.

Some core volunteers are being trained by the County Council and they, in turn, will eventually pass on their skills to other volunteers as the community service gets under way.

One of the aims was to improve on the existing Library offer and develop the Library as a ‘community hub’ rather than just offering the traditional library services. The management committee have visited and consulted with other similar community libraries and are endeavouring to incorporate the best practice.

Development of the Library as a community hub requires all types of skills and there will be an ongoing need for volunteers with a variety of interests and skills to commit as much or as little time as they are able.

The Library will close week commencing 25th April 2016 for refurbishment after which time the Community Library will be launched.

On its launch, Enderby Community Library has revised the existing opening times to be 2pm-6pm, Monday-Saturday. The Parish Council conducted a survey early in the process to determine how the local community viewed the Library service and their preferred opening times. Enderby Library Management Committee will review the opening hours periodically and, dependent upon the volunteer commitment and customer demand will consider increasing these hours.

Anyone interested in volunteering at Enderby Community Library are asked to contact the Volunteer Co-ordinator, Mrs. Maria Hetherington, by email via this link
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