The community library in Peasedown St John near Bath has received a £1,000 funding boost thanks to an Empowerment Fund from Bath & North East Somerset Council.
Cllr Karen Walker (and Cllr Sarah Bevan outside Peasedown Community Library
The library, which has seen a significant increase in users since the end of lockdown, is part of the council’s network of community services.
Libraries, like other essential services, were allowed to stay open during lockdown, ensuring that people had access to reading material and information.
Cllr Karen Walker is the Operations Manager at the Library. She said: “For a small community library with just 700 books we’re definitely punching above our weight!
“Over 200 people used our services last month. Not only is reading enjoyable, but it’s also good for our mental health too. It reduces stress, is therapeutic and keeps our brains active.”
The local authority approved the funding of £1,000 for the library through the Ward Councillor’s Empowerment Fund, a pot of money that councillors can spend in their communities.
Cllr Sarah Bevan, who allocated the grant through her funding pot, said: “The Peasedown Community Library has been a huge asset to the village since it opened. location at the front of The Hive Community Centre attracts a lot of visitors, many of whom join every week.
“Well done to my colleague, Cllr Karen Walker, and the strong team of volunteers who are providing this excellent public service.”
The money will be used to cover the library’s rent and insurance costs at The Hive.
Peasedown Community Library is located at The Hive Community Centre (formerly the Youth Centre) on Bath Road.
The library is part of the Peasedown Community Trust, which runs several projects in the village.
Trust Chairman, Gavin Heathcote, added: “Peasedown Library is part of the Libraries West consortium, which means that if you take a book out from us you can return it to any library across the South West of England, and vice versa.
“We’re part of a strong network of libraries across the country providing a valuable service in local communities.”
