A cherished community library in Somerset is issuing a rallying call for new volunteers to ensure its survival and continued service to local residents.
A Call to Arms for Book Lovers
Nestled within The Hive Community Centre in Peasedown St John, the community library is actively seeking individuals to assist with its day-to-day operations. The push is being led by local councillor Karen Walker, who is recruiting volunteer librarians to undertake tasks such as sorting books, helping visitors, and supporting the library's general functions.
Councillor Walker emphasised the significant role the small library plays, particularly for community wellbeing. "Holding just 700 books, we're definitely punching above our weight," she told Bath Newseum. "Over 200 people used our services last month." She also stressed the proven mental-health benefits associated with reading and accessing such a local hub.
Funding, Networks and Community Backing
The library is funded and maintained by the Peasedown Community Trust, which secured the grants that allow it to operate year after year. The Trust's chairman, Councillor Gavin Heathcote, pointed out a key advantage for users: the library's membership in the Libraries West consortium. This means any book borrowed from the Peasedown branch can be returned to any other library across the South West of England, and vice versa, greatly expanding its practical reach for residents.
Established in 2020 to support local projects, the Trust runs several volunteer-led initiatives. The library itself is managed by a team of more than 20 volunteers. Industry data on such services indicates that community hubs often depend heavily on a dedicated core team to maintain their opening hours and community outreach.
How You Can Get Involved
New volunteers will receive full training and can assist with various roles, including:
- Shelving and organising books
- Welcoming and assisting visitors
- Providing general customer support
The library's current opening hours are:
- Mondays: 11am - 3pm
- Wednesdays: 2pm - 4pm
- Saturdays: 10am - 1pm
Those interested in these volunteer opportunities are encouraged to contact Cllr Karen Walker directly at peasedownlibrary@hotmail.com. Alternatively, you can get in touch with The Hive Community Centre at manager@thehivepsj.org or by calling 01761 360021.
For the latest updates and community notices, the library also maintains an active presence on Facebook.
