Addingham library’s ‘shopping list’ (From Wharfedale Observer)

Addingham library’s ‘shopping list’

8:10am Sunday 24th June 2012 in News

Building work and other schemes are being investigated to help improve a village library taken over from Bradford Council by members of the community last year.

A feasibility study is looking into proposals to enhance facilities at the Main Street centre in Addingham, ranging from a new heating system, rewiring and an internal stair-case to Wi-Fi.

Funding is also being sought for window display materials.

Villagers rallied to set up Addingham Community Library after Bradford Council identified it among several earmarked for closure last year.

Based in an historic old school building owned by Addingham Parish Council, the project became the first community library in the Bradford district to break away from the local authority.

Addingham Community Library Association recently carried out a survey asking village residents what improvements they would like.

The study – expected to be completed this month – will form a “shopping list” for the organisation to seek external funding, says chairman and ward councillor Adrian Naylor.

Councillor Naylor (Ind, Craven) added: “The feasibility study will be looking at the fabric of the building, the windows and walls, whether or not we put in an internal staircase and what it would cost to rewire it.

“All of that goes towards what could be described as a shopping list so we can talk to different funders and talk to the heritage bodies.”

Addingham Civic Society has also made an application to Skipton Building Society seek-ing display equipment.

The library has increased its opening hours, and fundraising coffee mornings were launched together with a membership drive.