This in from the Bembridge Library Users’ Group, in their own words. Ed
Bembridge Library may yet be saved from closure thanks to the potential involvement of the Isle of Wight Rural Community Council (RCC).
Around 30 volunteers and supporters who attended a meeting organised by Bembridge Library Users’ Group (BLUG) last Tuesday at Bembridge library were told by the RCC’s rural services officer Philippa Daley that negotiations were already underway with Isle of Wight Council to take on the full-repairing building lease on behalf of the volunteers.
Discussions resulted in proposal
BLUG had earlier turned down the lease following expert advice, taking the view that it would have been a too onerous legal and financial responsibility for its volunteers to take on. Following that decision, BLUG contacted the RCC to ask if they would consider being the leaseholder. Discussion took place between the RCC, BLUG and other interested parties including the IW Council, Bembridge Parish Council and the Bembridge Heritage Society, which shares part of the building.
The proposal would mean BLUG volunteers working directly to the RCC, which will take on responsibility for handling the finances, including two £4,000 grants available this year, one from Isle of Wight Council and the other from Bembridge Parish Council.
Volunteers vital for long-term success
Philippa Daley said the RCC offer was dependent on BLUG’s ability to find the resources to run and pay for the library. Said Philippa: “We know how important it is to maintain services in rural areas and hope that our involvement will help to establish a community-run library in Bembridge. The long-term success of this project will depend on the hard work and commitment of volunteers.”
Acting chairman of BLUG, Peter Pickworth, confirmed that the proposal from the RCC was a valuable step forward. “We were very concerned that despite all our efforts this year, we would have to walk away and allow the library to close.
Said Peter: “This proposal deals with a number of issues at a stroke, including insurances and employment legislation issues covered by TUPE, which up until now has been a major sticking point. But we are not out of the woods yet, as we have to pay for all utility services, maintenance and running costs which add up to around £12,000 a year.
“Providing RCC takes on the lease, we now need to get people on board to begin the process of fund-raising, without which, the library will close.”
Praise for dedication of volunteers
Also at the meeting was IW Council’s head of commissioning in the department of community well-being Mark Howell, who praised the dedication of the volunteers and supporters and also confirmed Isle of Wight Council’s desire to see the community libraries operating successfully.
Although unable to operate as a Library authority, Bembridge Parish Council, who were represented at the meeting by Cllr John Leaver, confirmed that the Parish Council was supporting the community’s efforts by providing a £4,000 grant this year. Isle of Wight Council remains the Library Authority for the Island.
Another group directly affected by the future of Bembridge Library is the Bembridge Heritage Centre, which has shared part of the building for the past 16 years. Its chairman, Robin Maconchy, said that success would help secure the future of the Centre, which like the library, is part of village life.
A call for people to participate in a new management committee yielded a number of positive responses including county councillor Jonathan Bacon.
