Parish council set to take over running of Paulton Library

Parish council set to take over running of Paulton Library

Paulton’s library is to become a community run library after the lease is transferred to Paulton Parish Council next week.

Although the library is currently closed due to Government restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic, Bath & North East Somerset Council has continued working to transfer its fifth and final library to a community group as a result of its Modern Libraries programme.

The parish council will take over The Hub on Friday 19 June although it will not open to the public then, but The Hub’s development will begin with IT equipment being installed and restructuring the cafe area to make more space for the cafe to operate. Building work will take place in August.

Councillor Paul Crossley, cabinet member for Community Services, said: “The Community Hub is at the heart of the village and we know how much residents value the library facilities there. This is going to be even more important as we approach getting back to a new normal after lockdown.

“I’m delighted Paulton Parish Council have taken on responsibility for the library, it’s been a pleasure to work with them and their volunteers in supporting them with the project and I wish them every success once they are able to reopen.”

Once lockdown restrictions are eased and the library is back up and running, it will be open from Mondays to Fridays from 9am to 4pm and on Saturdays from 9am to 12pm.

The library will be run by volunteers and is stocked with approximately 3000 books to browse and has click and collect facilities, which enable users to order and return books available via the LibrariesWest catalogue. New library members can also be enrolled and there is free internet access, printing, scanning and laminating facilities. There is also a popular Baby Bounce session which will run monthly.

Cllr Gail Garlick, Chairman of Paulton Parish Council, said “The Hub is a real focal point in the village – a place where people drop in for information and social contact. Our working party have worked really hard to deliver this project to the village and, after many unforeseen difficulties, it is rewarding to be able to finally bring it to its completion. A grand opening is planned for Tuesday 1 September – more details to follow.”

The Parish Council is keen to recruit more volunteers to help run the library.  For more information contact Paulton Parish Council on 01761 4134644 or mail: clerk@Paultonparishcouncil.org.uk

For more information on the council’s library services visit https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/library-and-information-services

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