The site was at risk of closure after cash-strapped Leicestershire County Council announced it was pulling the plug on library funding. Nigel Trotman, chairman of the group which formed in late 2014, said: “The library provides a valuable focus for the community and could not be allowed to close. As well as normal library activities it is used for a number of other purposes – for example a regular cinema and other social events run by The Friends of Newbold Verdon, a knit and stitch group, a Scrabble club and a family history group. There are also a number of public access computers which are well-used.”
G. Seller & Co. Ltd have gifted £1,500 towards to cost of upgrading the IT equipment. The council will provide financial support with running costs initially, but it will gradually reduce over time and the group will have to organise various fundraising events to keep it open. The group successfully secured a charitable status in 2015 which will allow it to apply for grants and offer tax advantages. Mr Trotman added: “The aim of our group is to build on the good work already being done through the library in order to encourage increased use for a wider range of purposes – ideally everyone in the local community should have a reason to visit – and not just to borrow a book. “We are fortunate to have two experienced librarians on the management committee.”
The group hope retain the existing opening hours, but may increase this depending on demand.
The committee is looking for more volunteers to help with fundraising and management.
