Community leaders and volunteers in Peasedown St John are celebrating after receiving the welcome news that the village’s community library has secured a much-needed funding boost.

Peasedown Community Library, which is one of B&NES Council’s eleven community libraries, is run by local charity the Peasedown Community Trust.

With funds to run the library running low, local councillors applied to the Medlock Trust, a charity well known for its philanthropic work, which has awarded the library a £2,000 grant. This grant will enable the library to continue running services for the community.

Library operations manager, Cllr Karen Walker (Independent, Peasedown), said: “We’re very grateful to the Medlock Trust for their financial support. This £2,000 grant means we can continue to run a local, people-centred service where residents can access a wide range of books – and all for free.

“More than 200 people are using our services each month. Not only is reading enjoyable, but it’s also good for our mental health. It reduces stress, is therapeutic and keeps our brains active.

“As well as our users, the library is also a hub for volunteering opportunities. We have a dedicated team of 15 volunteers who keep the service running, week in, week out. This funding means they can continue doing what they love.”

Last year, Bath and North East Somerset Council decided to cease all funding for it’s eleven community libraries, informing all managers that they needed to ‘find the money themselves or face closure’.

With the council no longer funding its own libraries, and finances running low, Peasedown library’s future was in doubt – but thanks to this rescue grant from the Medlock Trust its doors can now firmly remain open.

Cllr Gavin Heathcote (Independent, Peasedown) said: “We were saddened to learn last year that the Liberal Democrat leadership at the council has decided to pull the plug on funding all community libraries. All of them have provided a much-needed lifeline for residents, especially those living in rural, isolated communities.

“With no more financial support coming from the council, Peasedown’s community library could have been facing closure at the end of this year if alternative funding wasn’t found.

“The grant from the Medlock Trust means the future is looking bright for our little village library. We’re grateful to the trust for responding to our appeal for help.”

Peasedown Community Library is located next door to Peasedown St John Primary School on Bath Road. It is open on Mondays from 11am to 3pm, Wednesdays from 2pm to 4pm, and Saturdays from 10am to 1pm.

For more information about Peasedown Community Library, including details on how to sign up as a volunteer, email Cllr Karen Walker at [email protected].

The library welcomes new volunteers to join its dedicated team and help keep this vital community resource running. People can also stay up to date with library news, events, and services by visiting their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/PSJCommunityLibrary.