BFP helps Stokenchurch library stay open (From Bucks Free Press)

BFP helps Stokenchurch library stay open

9:29am Thursday 10th January 2013 in News By Rebecca Cain

A BUCKS Free Press appeal for more volunteers has helped a village library stay open as it celebrates its official launch on Saturday.

In the summer of last year Buckinghamshire County Councillor Martin Phillips warned in an article that the service in Stokenchurch would be lost if not enough volunteers came forward.

The article prompted a number of volunteers to come forward and it is now being run by the community.

Ann Sherman, chairman of the recently-formed Library Management Committee, said: "After we had the publicity people came forward. We were pleasantly surprised.

"The meetings went well and BCC helped with the training."

The library, one of 14 around Buckinghamshire that BCC is encouraging communities to run, now has 30 trained volunteers.

It opened on January 2 but its official launch will be on Saturday with MP David Lidington cutting the ribbon at 10am and BCC vice chairman Carl Etholen officially handing over the keys.

There will be children's activities and a display of old Stokenchurch photographs until 4pm.

The committee hopes to extend opening hours and open on a Sunday but still need 20 more volunteers to do so.

Fundraising will continue, with about £5,000 a year needed.

The committee plan to hold a quiz on February 16 at Longburrow Hall and hope to offer the building to small groups for events.

To volunteer call Ann Sherman on 01494 482344 or Margaret Kitson on 01494 482990.

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