A new opportunity for you and your library

Boy at computer with headphones on in library

Mon 4 Sep 2017

The process has begun to create Community-Managed Libraries in Derby.

Individuals and groups interesting in helping to run a library are being encouraged to come forward, with special meetings planned to explain the process.

The Council is implementing a community-managed model for ten local libraries to safeguard their future. This follows an extensive public consultation which attracted more than 4,000 responses.

The libraries proposed to become community-managed are:

  • Allenton                                                                                            
  • Allestree                                                                                           
  • Blagreaves                                                                                       
  • Chaddesden (The Phillip Whitehead Memorial Library)         
  • Chellaston                                                                                       
  • Derwent
  • Mackworth
  • Sinfin
  • Spondon
  • Springwood

The success of Community Managed Libraries will depend on local people volunteering to get involved.  Anyone interested in finding out more can attend one of six open meetings, where we will be on hand to answer questions:

  • Monday 18 September 10.30am, 2pm and 6pm at Guildhall Theatre
  • Tuesday 19 September 11.30am, 2.30pm and 6pm at Guildhall Theatre

Community groups or organisations are invited to register an interest in running one or more of these libraries by midday, Monday 9 October 2017.

The deadline to submit a full application is midday, Monday 4 December 2017. Support will be available to help groups develop their proposals.

To support the process, information packs have been prepared on each of the ten libraries. These and other materials can be downloaded from our Run a library page.   

Under the proposals, the Council has earmarked £175,000 annually until March 2022 to help with the cost of running Community Managed Libraries and buying new books.  Eligible groups can bid for funds to help meet library overheads, such as utility bills.

Councillor Amo Raju, Cabinet member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism, said:

“Whether you want to run things or just help out for a couple of hours a week, there’s a role in this for everyone. This is an important opportunity to contribute to the future success of our libraries. I’d urge people not to miss out. Come along to one of the public meetings, and see how you can get involved.”

Any questions about the Community-Managed Libraries can also be emailed to libraries@derby.gov.uk.