People in Rawdon are being urged to “use it or lose it” as part of a campaign to save their library.

The library, which was facing the axe under a citywide council review of services, has been granted a reprieve.

And now campaigners, who fought to save it, are stressing the need for local people to use its services and to volunteer their help to keep it open.

The hours of operation have been cut on a temporary basis – but the Friends of Rawdon Library are hoping it will open every day except Sunday from September.

In a move supported by council staff the group is also planning to introduce a programme of volunteer activities from September 1.

A detailed programme and volunteer arrangements are being worked out over next few weeks, and organisers are urging local people to come forward to offer their services.

They are asking volunteers to lend their support to the library for a number of hours on a regular basis. Tasks include designing a newsletter and organising children’s activities, including story times. Experienced computer users will be needed to support new users, and people keen on local history and family history are being asked to share their knowledge and enthusiasm.

People are also being asked to organise and participate in focus groups so that different age groups and sectors can be identified.

Volunteers will be trained.

More than 30 people attended a meeting about the library chaired by Clive Woods from the Aireborough Civic Society last week.

Those attending included the Vicar of Rawdon, Cayte Norman, former St Peter’s headteacher David Havenhand and Councillor Paul Wadsworth.

Following the meeting Mr Havenhand said: “I was pleased to see so many people who obviously have a great interest in maintaining the library.

“The questionnaires used at the meeting will also be available at Rawdon Library and local people are invited to use them to express their views and offer help if they are able to.

Mr Woods said: “This campaign needs a united effort from Rawdon residents. Even if you cannot volunteer, please begin to use your library. It is really a case of use it or lose it.”

The library’s new opening hours are Monday, 10am to 5pm; Tuesday, closed; Wednesday, 10am to 6pm; Thursday, closed; Friday, 10am to 1pm; Saturday, 10am to 1pm.

Anyone who wants to help should contact June Longley from the Friends of Rawdon Library on junelongley@hotmail.com.