New chapter in Chickerell library story

After months of negotiations with Dorset County Council, supporters of the libraries that lost core funding from the authority are making the final preparations before they are handed over.

Puddletown, Chickerell, Wool, Colehill, Stalbridge, Burton Bradstock and Charmouth libraries will all be under the control of the communities by February 28. Negotiations are still ongoing with the community in Corfe Castle with a view to it becoming the county’s eighth community-run library.

Volunteers will run the libraries, which will be independent and self-governed, but they will receive support in the form of books, staffing and IT services from the council in a package worth £5,000 for each library per year.

There may be changes to the opening hours at some of the community run libraries as volunteers plan to extend opening hours or change opening times to better meet local needs.

The transfer of the libraries comes as Dorset County Council aims to save £725,000 from its library service budget.

Cabinet member for community services Hilary Cox said: “I am very pleased that by working together in partnership and through careful listening and constructive negotiation, we have now finalised dates for local communities to take over the responsibility for running seven libraries with support from Dorset County Council.

“The county council appreciates the local leadership and hard work that has been done.

“This innovative approach is good for local communities, while helping us to manage our reduced budget, which we have to do.

“I would like to thank all the volunteers for coming forward.”

Graham Lee, chairman of Ad Lib (Association of Friends of Dorset Libraries) said: “Sixteen months ago, eight community libraries located throughout the county were faced with the stark choice of being closed through the lack of funding or managing the libraries themselves.

“The response of the community which are volunteers to this challenge has been remarkable.”