Delight for residents as Woodston Library in Peterborough saved from closure
Campaigners in Peterborough have been celebrating after it was announced that Woodston Library is no longer under threat for closure.
Peterborough City Council has confirmed that the library, located on Orchard Street, will be taken off its asset disposal list.
The library was placed under threat of sale two years ago as part of cost cutting measures in order to pass a balanced budget. It was listed alongside 78 other assets on a list that the council was considering selling to raise cash.
Residents quickly formed a group to oppose the cuts and insisted that the library had been set up to failing, calling for an improved opening and self-service hours to give residents a better chance to use the service.
A number of community events have since been hosted, links with local schools created and local groups found to use the library space, all going to show the place in the community that the library can offer.
Following this high-profile campaign, word has now been received that the council will not be looking to sell the building and that self-service hours will be extended.
The library will now be accessible from 8am to 7pm for seven days a week.
Sharing her joy, Jennie Storey, Chair of the Friends of Woodston Library, said: “We are delighted to share such good news after such a long and arduous campaign to secure the future of our well-loved and popular community library, improve accessibility and overturn years of neglect.
“Our success is due to a community refusing to accept and fight against its proposed closure while breathing new life into our library and ensuring it is relevant for today and the future. We thank everyone for such overwhelming support and sharing our passion and taking a stand.
“This is not about winning, it never was, it was about stopping a wrong decision and the impact that would have on so many people. It was about championing how vital libraries are, the pivotal role they play in the lives of everyone - for information, education, learning and where a community can come together to share and grow.”
Sue Godfrey, Secretary of the Friends of Woodston Library, added: “Libraries are a fundamental cornerstone for communities. They have been neglected and abandoned for far too long, often seen as a service easy to cut or underfund which directly limits and curtails their effectiveness.
“This of course has always been a false economy – libraries need to be revitalised and equipped and given time, care and energy so they can reach their full potential, ensuring no-one is left out. Our campaign continues with even more passion.”
Among the upcoming events at Woodston Library is the film night showing Breakfast at Tiffany’s on Friday March 27 between 7pm and 9:30pm, the Book (ish) Club on Sunday March 29 between 1:30pm and 4:30pm as well as the ward councillor surgery on Saturday March 14 at 1pm to 2pm.
This is as well as the regular knit and natter group, Writers group and police surgeries. All events are advertised on the Friends of Woodston Library Facebook page.