Trust appointed to run 10 'at risk' city libraries

Derby's community-run libraries have a new team at the top

The running of 10 of Derby’s libraries is being passed to a “not-for-profit” organisation, the city council has said.

The city’s network of “community-run” libraries had faced an uncertain future in March 2023 when the then Conservative-run authority launched a consultation on the facilities.

But this was paused as Labour took control of the council in May 2023 and suggested an independent charity could be appointed to run them - a decision agreed in March this year.

On Wednesday, Derby City Council said community interest company Sporting Communities would create a trust to run the libraries.

This trust will take on sites in Allestree, Allenton, Blagreaves, Chaddesden Park, Chellaston, Derwent, Mackworth, Sinfin, Spondon and Springwood.

These 10 libraries had been run by volunteers since 2017.

Community hubs

Sarah Chambers, cabinet member for cost of living, equalities and communities, said the council recognised the “crucial role in our communities” that libraries play.

She added: “Closing the libraries would have been detrimental to so many people.”

The council will provide “financial support” to the trust which will lease the 10 sites.

The five remaining libraries in Derby will continue to be run directly by the council.

Sporting Communities, which beat two rivals to secure the library contract, was founded in 2012 and runs Normanton Park’s community centre, Football Foundation Play Zone and Cruyff Court.

As part of its bid to take on the library services, Sporting Communities said it had ambitions to use the buildings as hubs for community activities, workshops, and events.

Managing director Ben Rigby said: “Our vision is to make them amazing places where everyone feels welcome and safe and where people can learn and connect with their community. We’ve got some exciting plans.”