Two libraries in the Harrogate district have been highly commended for their improved performance.
Boroughbridge community library and Bilton and Woodfield community library were among those recognised by the North Yorkshire County Council Library of the Year awards.
Norton Hive library, near Malton, was crowned the overall winner.
Bilton and Woodfield library has had a lot to overcome in recent years. After funding cuts in 2011 it almost closed permanently, and is now run entirely by volunteers.
Shortly afterwards it had to find a new home and in 2017 a faulty boiler caused a major flood.
So Greta Knight, chair of the library, was pleased to accept the commendation:
“This award was a recognition of all the hard work done by everyone connected with the library and I was extremely proud to accept it on their behalf.”
Bilton library: Chairman Greta Knight and North Yorkshire County Council chairman, councillor Jim Clark, hold the award. Local member Councillor Geoff Webber (left) and libraries general manager Chrys Mellor (centre) surrounded by volunteers and supporters.
Boroughbridge library secretary Diana Holmes said:
“It is great to have the hard work of our team of lovely volunteers recognised by this award. The library is at the heart of the local community and we know from customer comments that it is greatly valued.
“The award gives us a very satisfying pat on the back from our colleagues at the county council and is especially appreciated in these current challenging times.”
Boroughbridge library: Chairman Ian Hick and North Yorkshire County Council chairman, councillor Jim Clark, hold the award. From left, area librarian Catherine Barlow, facilities manager Mike Collins, activities manager Barbara Horner, library manager Lee Taylor, treasurer Nic Holmes and secretary Diana Holmes.
Ordinarily, Boroughbridge library runs weekly activities such as story time, scrabble and one-to-one help with IT issues. These activities have been limited by the pandemic.
Read more:
- Developer cuts larger homes at Boroughbridge due to ‘market conditions’
- Home library service maintains morale
Greg White, the council’s executive member for libraries, said:
“The success of these community-run libraries is a testament to the local communities who will go to great lengths to keep the service running.
“Despite lockdown resulting in the closure of our buildings we have increased our digital offer and seen 3,000 new customers join and a huge increase in digital borrowing.”
