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Charity steps in to help library
Jul 19, 2011
A CHARITY has been set up to provide support and funds for Barnard Castle’s library in the wake of widespread budget cuts.
Durham County Council is looking at slashing its budgets for libraries but last month confirmed that no secret plans have been drawn up to shut the town library, in Hall Street.
However, there are fears budget cuts will have an impact.
But The Friends of Barnard Castle Library has been created to raise funds so the library can offer activities and events.
The Friends will also be able to represent library users and provide feedback on library services.
Robert Stenlake, a spokesman for the Friends, said: “Our library is at the heart of the town and its people. It is a very busy and successful library. The Friends want to help the library offer additional services and activities which would not otherwise happen.”
The idea of creating the Friends came about earlier this year when the new book fund appeared to be at risk. The library appealed for books to be donated but was unable to accept cash donations.
The Friends has already been promised a donation of £80, which will be used to sponsor one of the summer holiday special activities for children.
The Friends are holding a Book Sale on Wednesday, July 20, in the Parish Hall as their first fundraising event, jointly with the Parish Church.
Mr Stenlake said: “We hope that the book sale will help to raise public interest in the Friends, as well as raising some money.
“We will be holding a public meeting at the library in September to seek the public’s views on what they would like the Friends to do for the library.”
He added that library service staff have been very supportive and have encouraged the Friends to go ahead.
Last month Durham County Council revealed Barnard Castle’s library was one of the most well-used in County Durham.
It is understood that no libraries will be closed in the next 12 months, but opening hours may be cut in some locations
Gerald Tompkins, a spokesman from the council, welcomed the charity’s involvement: “This is an exciting new development for our library. It is a way of extending services when funding is tight and we look forward to working with the Friends.”