East Dorset library saved by the community after cuts threat (From Bournemouth Echo)
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East Dorset library saved by the community after cuts threat
12:59pm Saturday 9th February 2013 in News By Alex Winter
AN EAST Dorset library that faced closure after council cuts has been brought back to life by the community.
Colehill Library was one of eight threatened in the county after Dorset County Council pulled their funding as part of a bid to save £725,000.
However, local residents were so upset by the plans that they banded together to ensure the library was able to keep its doors open.
The library was officially opened as a community-run facility on Saturday morning, with actor and Colehill resident Michael Medwin cutting the ribbon.
Chairman of the Colehill Parish Council David Mitchell said: “This has been a long-held dream, and it has taken some time to see it come true.
“A lot of work has gone into this, but lo and behold on January 8 we became a community library. A limited company, which is in effect a management team, looks after the running, and we have a lot of volunteers who will make sure it is able to open.”
An army of 90 volunteers have stepped forward to man the library, including around 30 who will help with maintaining the building.
“We are responsible for the whole thing now,” said Mr Mitchell.
