Community's library revival

Metheringham Community Library volunteers celebrate teh official opening.

BBC Radio Lincolnshire presenters Carla George and Scott Dalton cut the ribbon to officially open Metheringham’s Community Library at a packed ceremony on Friday after the parish council, backed by a growing team of 35 volunteers, agreed to take on the running of the library, destined for closure under county council cuts.

After a four month closure, it re-opened in October and has seen a surge in visitor numbers, with 430 people through the door in the first four weeks. Current opening times are: Tuesday 3–6pm; Thursday and Saturday 10am–12noon with that extending to Wednesdays in February.

Doreen Cope, volunteer co-ordinator, said preparations had taken two years and volunteers were keen to welcome visitors. She added: “We have audio books, children’s books, are offering fantastic second hand books, and selling cards and raffle tickets.”

BBC Radio Lincolnshire presenters Scott Dalton and Carla George cut the ribbon at Metheringham library. EMN-160125-130122001

The parish council rents the building from the county council and covers running costs, with the help of a start up grant. Books are replenished by the county library service.

Parish council chairman Joanna Finegan said it was always an important social, focal, meeting place. “It was touch and go whether we would lose it but the councillors were determined,” she said. “Today has confirmed it was the right course of action.”