Volunteers to run library after 'reduced funding'

The library is set to move from its current address on Warsop Lane, Rainworth, due to ‘reduced funding’.

The library will be moving into the Village Hall on Kirklington Road and become a Community Partnership Library, which means it will be run by volunteers.

Inspire who manage the library on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council, have said the change will hopefully ‘increase opening’ hours and the ‘partnership develops’.

The library which operates out of the Rainworth Primary Care Centre currently opens Tuesday mornings and Friday afternoons.

A spokeswoman from Inspire said: “We certainly aim to keep libraries open. In Rainworth a more sustainable solution had to be found for the future of the library service against a backdrop of reduced funding, rising costs and the expiry of the current lease with the NHS Primary HealthCare Trust.”

Current members of Rainworth staff will be taking up vacant hours in other libraries.

Councillor John Cottee, Chairman of communities and place committee, said: “We are totally committed to our libraries service, ensuring they are in the heart of their community, and this initiative is part of our continuing vision for libraries to be modern, community, cultural and information hubs. We want to continue to provide a great service to library users, but sometimes this requires creative and innovative ways to deliver the service.

“The plans to work with the people of Rainworth to open the library in the Village Hall puts the service right at the heart of the community with great potential for the future.”

The library will close at 5pm on Friday, March 9, and will open at its new venue on Tuesday, March 20, at 9.30am.

Members of the public are invited to the official opening will be at 1pm on Friday, March 23.

Peter Gaw Inspire Chief Executive;“Inspire is committed to the county council’s vision of libraries as hubs at the heart of the community whether that be through our modernisation and refurbishment programme or working with local partners to develop mutually beneficial solutions”