Market Lavington Library reopened in a new location this week following its closure due to the pandemic in March 2020.
The library is now based at the Old School, Church Street following a successful partnership between Wiltshire Council and Market Lavington Parish Council.
Situated in the John Reid Room the library will provide a flexible space with moveable shelving for group visits and increased activities for all ages.
The previous library developed some building issues during the pandemic which delayed its reopening after lockdown was lifted. The reopening means all 34 libraries in Wiltshire are now open.
The move to the Old School is part of a new strategy to ensure libraries in Wiltshire are at the heart of their community. By sharing buildings in village locations, this initiative helps to provide a focal point for the community, with Wiltshire Council supporting Market Lavington Parish Council in developing the Old School as a vibrant hub of activity for residents.
The new location offers improved public access and facilities for customers and volunteers encompassing an adjacent car park, kitchen, toilets and disabled access.
Initially the library will be open Wednesdays at 2pm to 5pm and Fridays at 10am to 5pm, returning to its 12 hours a week of opening as soon as additional volunteers have been trained.
Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, Cabinet Member for Libraries, said, “I’d like to thank everyone for making the reopening of the library possible. Special mention should go to the Parish Council who have offered us space for a library in the Old School, which together we look forward to developing as a Community Hub for the village.
“The library staff and volunteers have also done a wonderful job organising the move, ensuring the space looks welcoming when people come in to borrow books and use a computer.”
Cllr Colin Osborn, Chair of Market Lavington Parish Council, said, “Libraries, and the activities linked to them, are important in all communities, and what has happened in Market Lavington is an example of what can be done when volunteers, a Parish Council, and the County Council can work together for a common vision.”
Market Lavington library is one of 34 Wiltshire Council libraries and is free to join. There are bestselling fiction titles and information books to borrow supporting hobbies, days out, job seeking and study. Books for all ages are available in a variety of formats including large print and eBooks. There’s free wifi, computer and scanner access, plus printing for a small charge.
More information about local libraries can be found at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/libraries-home.
