Volunteers save Fawdon Library

Volunteers have saved the library, based at Fawdon Community Centre, after it faced closure due to cutbacks in the council's budgets.

The library will reopen on Tuesday 26 May as a volunteer-run service.

The volunteers have formed a collective called Friends of Fawdon Community Library, and will keep the facility open five days a week, Monday to Friday.

Councillor David Faulkner, who helped organise and champion the volunteer takeover, said: “Our volunteers have come together with a shared purpose to operate and develop the library, as well as promoting reading, literacy, learning and the enjoyment of books in this part of the city.

“We hope to welcome new and returning visitors to this much-loved community library, and we’d welcome anyone who wants to volunteer for us in any capacity.

“We’re grateful for the support of our landlords at Fawdon Community Centre, Newcastle Tenants and Residents Federation, and for the help of staff at Newcastle City Libraries who kindly transferred the existing book stock to us and provided helpful advice.”

The library will be open: Mondays 12pm to 5pm Tuesdays 10am to 1pm Wednesdays 10am to 1pm Thursdays 2pm to 5pm Fridays 10am to 1pm.

Further information, including membership forms, can be found on the library’s new website athttp://fawdoncommunitylibrary.com/