Our local Council, like many others throughout the country I expect, have decided to close several small local libraries in order to concentrate their resources on the main ones.
A group of people locally are doing their best to save theirs. Having put in a great deal of work for some time now they are pretty well on target to do so; they’ve built up and sustain strong support, are very well organised and committed, have achieved charitable status, and have a good relationship with the Council Library service, who are keen to help. The idea is that the group would take over the running of the library premises and maintain it within the framework of a community centre – much needed in the area. There are well considered plans in hand to enlarge and improve the building, and lots of ideas of how the premises would be used, including involving the local schools.
None of this of course is the smallest use without the funding being in place. Local fund raising has produced a nice little sum in the bank but what is needed to take the campaign forward is the certainty of proper financial backing over the next seven years or so – in other words, to convince the Council that this is a viable proposition they need to secure grants, or a commitment of funds on a long term and reliable basis.
An application to the Lottery Fund seemed promising but looks like foundering. Does anyone have any ideas about other sources of funding, perhaps corporate grants, anything really. And / or any suggestions as to how best to make their case? It’s such a good cause and they have worked very hard to get as far as they have.
