Club Speaker Meeting - Jane Bennett

7^th March 2019 Bottesford Community Library – Jane Bennett

Prior to the speaker there was a cheque presentation of £1k to Chris H for ‘Life Education’

Jane gave an enthusiastic and energetic talk about Bottesford Community Library in which she has been involved since 2016.

The library became a charity in October 2015 when the local community took over its running with our Rotarian Mary Bridge-Collyns being one of the first volunteers and Anne Daley a fellow Trustee!

It now provides over 20 services including e books, events for adults and children, coffee (with loyalty card!), local information, display of local arts and crafts and even photocopying and printing.

It has been a very popular service with the local community who are able to use the facilities 7 days a week, unheard of in many local libraries and as Jane quoted “a bulwark against the scourge of loneliness”.

Leicestershire County Council agreed to fund the operating costs until 2022 and the rent (£8k) will be paid until 2027 when the trustees will then be responsible for running the library. With this in mind, the library runs a range of activities and fund raising events.  The website offers suggestions on how to donate or help to keep the vital service to the village operating. We wish them well!                                       GT