Readers vision to save Oxford library

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A GROUP dedicated to saving Summertown Library, in Oxford, has unveiled plans to re-open a post office inside the branch and transform it into a ‘creative space’ open for up to 20 hours a day.

Friends of Summertown Library believes the money can be found to run a professionally-staffed library service, if Oxfordshire County Council goes ahead with its plans.

Their plans include re-opening a post office branch in the South Parade premises and opening the library for more activities and events, including corporate hospitality and ‘pop-up’ art exhibitions.

The group has vowed to help other communities across Oxfordshire to save their library branches.

The Friends continue to oppose council cuts and have called for any potential closures to be delayed for at least a year to let community groups find ways to save them. But, if County Hall does not back down, the Friends will form a charitable trust to secure private funding.

Chairman Jonathan Hood, from Hamilton Road, said: “Libraries are not just about books. They are an organic part of the community, but once they are gone, they will not come back.

“The local authority’s view of libraries has not been very imaginative, and our plan is to take a far more creative view.”

The Friends, who are in discussion with a potential post office operator, do not intend to apply for part of the council’s £600,000 fund for groups wanting to save their services.