Bid to rescue closed library

VOLUNTEERS hoping to convert a closed Warrington library into a hive of community activity are holding a public meeting on Tuesday May 10 to gather support.
Since Grappenhall Library closed on April 1 – as part of the borough council spending cuts – campaigners have been trying to find a new use for the building.
Cllr Mike Biggin, (pictured) chairman of Grappenhall and Thelwall Parish Council, said: “We’re at the stage of presenting a business case for utilising Grappenhall Library for community use.”
He said Grappenhall Youth and Community Association and the borough council had been involved in negotiations. The aim is to provide two book collections – at the library and community centre – together with venues for a variety of groups to provide activities and facilities for residents.
Cllr Biggin said: “We now have a large group of volunteers who offer a range of skills and are very enthusiastic. This is an ideal opportunity for residents of the villages to work together and we would welcome anyone who is interested either as a potential user or an organiser to join us.”
He said the parish council fully supported the proposals and that volunteers had set up a Friends of Grappenhall Library group. Some of them are former librarians.
Cllr Biggin said the borough council supported plans for a book exchange scheme at the old library and at Grappenhall Youth and Community Centre, and had offered some books and shelving.
The deadline for the bid for the library building is May 20, so supporters are hoping to attract as many people as possible to the meeting.
The open meeting will be on May 10 at 7.30pm in the St Wilfrid’s Parish Centre, The Large Room (opposite the Parr Arms). It will look at making an “expression of interest” to the borough council for future community use of the library building.