Library’s push for ‘friends’
Stowmarket Library is campaigning for community support after facing cutbacks to its budget.
In August, all of Suffolk’s 44 libraries were taken over by the Industrial and Provident Society, a social enterprise with charitable status overseen by the Financial Services Authority.
Staff at Stowmarket Library found out before Christmas that it would face cuts to its budget, so manager Frances Law and assistant manager Sherrie Rozier decided to take steps to increase its means.
They have set up group called Friends of Stowmarket Library to co-ordinate fund-raising events and initiatives.
Mrs Rozier said they were eager for volunteers to join the group.
She said: “We are no longer part of Suffolk County Council, we are now part of the Industrial and Providence Society.
“Before Christmas we discovered we were facing cuts to our budget – we are all looking at ways to make up the shortfall of money.
“The library is starting up a group called Friends of Stowmarket Library.
“We are hoping volunteers will form a committee to help us with fund-raising.
“We don’t know how much we need to make yet, but thought it was important to begin the process and get the ball rolling.
“The scheme is still in its early days.”
On Saturday, the library held an open day attended by more than 600 people as part of National Libraries Day.
Stalls were set up to show all the services the library offers.
The first meeting for the group is on Thursday, March 7, from 6.30pm at Stowmarket Library.
Mrs Rozier said: “We would be grateful if people could come down and contribute fund-raising ideas or offer help in any way they can.”
For more information call 01449 613143 or email help@suffolklibraries.co.uk
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Bury St Edmunds
Wednesday 22 May 2013
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 3 C to 14 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 4 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: North west
