February 29, 2012 4.01 pm This story is over 145 months old

Two councils give Saxilby new library

New library: Villagers in Saxilby will be benefitting from an improved library service later this year.

The new library will replace the current one on Highfield Road

Saxilby residents will be able to access improved library services after two councils worked on bringing a new library to the village near Lincoln.

Saxilby Parish Council worked alongside Lincolnshire County Council to create a new library based at St Andrews Community Centre.

Opening hours will be extended, as wells the library being open for readers seven days a week.

The new library will replace the current one on Highfield Road, and be run by the Parish Council with County Council and Friends of Saxilby Library support.

A consultation also proposes to stop the three part-time County Council staff being made redundant by offering them jobs at other libraries.

The new facility aims to be opened by autumn this year.

Peter Odam, Chairman of the Parish Council, said: “We saw this would bring a number of benefits to local residents, which is why we approached the council with our idea.

“Moving the library into the community centre will mean residents can access a range of services all under the one roof.

“Importantly, this will mean increased footfall in our soon-to-be-refurbished cafe-bar, making it more profitable.

“Our staff will also be helping to extend the opening hours at the new library, making it easier to visit at a time that’s convenient to you. I’m sure this will give the library a new lease of life.”

Councillor Eddy Poll, Executive Member for Cultural Services, added: “The new library will be open much longer than the existing site, have significantly reduced running costs and mean greater community involvement. And it’ll have a newly refurbished home, which is a vast improvement on our outdated building.

“The result will be an improved service for residents and better value for money for taxpayers – it’s a win-win situation.

“It’s a great example of how the local community can work with us to improve services for all residents.”

Source: Lincolnshire County Council