Volunteers to run Deepings Library with paid staff member

The Friends of Deepings Library has agreed to provide volunteers to help run the library alongside a paid member of staff that the group will fund.

The library lost its funding earlier this year as part of Lincolnshire County Council’s wide-ranging cuts to its service. Had volunteers not come forward, the library in High Street, Market Deeping, would have been replaced by a mobile service.

Chairman of Friends of Deepings Library Liz Waterland, speaking today (Friday, October 23) said: “We are all absolutely delighted that after more than two-and-a-half years of fighting we have secured a true community library through partnership with Deeping Community Trust and the funding from the town and parish councils.

“This will enable us to run the library with a paid member of staff, which was always what we knew Deepings Library, the eleventh busiest in Lincolnshire, needed to have to be successful.

“We would like to thank every member of the local community who have stood by us and supported us in our fight against closure over such a long period. Special thanks go to the directors of Deeping Community Trust, the town and parish councillors and Lincolnshire Library Services, with whom we have negotiated this historic agreement.

“Next, we will be asking for more volunteers to join us, not just in the library but in support roles and fundraising so that Deeping Library can go on from strength to strength in the future.”

The county council is currently refurbishing the building, known as Wade House, to bring old offices back into use as a potential source of revenue. A new lease on the building should be signed in the next few weeks, once the building work has been completed.

The library furniture, stock and services will be reinstated during November and the member of staff appointed. Volunteer training and other preparation will follow, ready for a grand opening planned for January.

Initially, the library will be open for 15 hours a week.

Until the library reopens the mobile library will continue to provide a basic service every Saturday.

If you would like to offer help at the library, of any sort, e-mail [email protected].