Community set to takeover Allenton Library

Published: 18 September 2019

Derby City Council will hand over operation of Allenton Library to community management this December.

The Library will be operated by Derby charity Direct Help and Advice from week commencing 9 December. Allenton Library’s last day under Council management will be Saturday 23 November.

During the temporary closure, the Council will carry out training to enable a smooth transition for customers and volunteers. During this time customers can continue to access and reserve books at other Derby libraries, with eBooks accessible 24/7 online.

Allenton Library will be the eighth library to become community managed with plans for Springwood and Derwent to also be transferred by the end of February 2020.

Councillor Robin Wood, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism, said:

Allenton be the eighth library to be successfully handed over to community management with the final two to go before the end of February. Good progress is being made after we took the decision to invest additional funds into the project. Local charity Direct Help and Advice are able to manage these libraries with communities and tailor the services to fit each area.

Derby City Council is set to realise the project’s full ongoing annual saving of £673k in the 2020/21 financial year.

Community Action Derby is working in partnership with DHA to recruit volunteers for all proposed Community Managed Libraries. Members of the public who would like more information about the opportunity to be part of the future of local libraries and how to get involved in volunteering can call 01332 346266.

Community, Culture