Deepings Library ready to enter a new era

The library, in High Street, Market Deeping, will hold an open day from 10am to 12.30pm tomorrow (Saturday, January 30).

It will mark the end of a long-running battle to keep the library open in the face of Lincolnshire County Council cuts, and the start of a new period under the leadership of the Friends of Deepings Library.

Friends chairman Liz Waterland said: “We are as positive as we can possibly be. We have got a huge amount of community support, help and assistance. The library now has a very bright future.”

Although the county council has withdrawn its funding for the library, it has spent £175,000 refurbishing the building, known as Wade House. This includes bringing several upstairs offices back into use. The council also plans to install a disabled toilet.

The library will have one paid member of staff, Louisa Crowson, whose role will come partly from renting the office space out, partly from a precept increase by both Deeping St James Parish Council and Market Deeping Town Council, and partly from a private donation specifically for staff.

Liz said: “Louise is just so full of enthusiasm and ideas. There will be a lot of new initiatives coming in.”

At the open day, Deepings author, historian and TV personality Jonathan Foyle will have the special task of cutting the ribbon. Another special guest will be children’s author Ellie Sandall, who will welcome young readers to the junior library from 11am. And William and Ellie Wade, whose family lived in Wade House from the 1800s until 1971, will also be there.

Liz said: “It’s exciting. It’s a completely new era for us and for the library.”

To find out how you can help, e-mail [email protected] or call 01778 343722.