Search is on for new partner to run town's library

The library has been run by a volunteer group and a college

A search is under way for a new partner to run a town's library.

The library in Raunds, Northamptonshire, was one of those threatened with closure by Northamptonshire County Council in 2018.

It was taken over by a community trust and Creating Tomorrow College.

A call has gone out for "expressions of interest" in taking on the library's lease and running the service.

The cash-strapped Northamptonshire County Council announced in 2018 that it was considering the closure of 21 libraries across the county.

A number of them were saved when they were transferred to community groups to be run by volunteers.

Raunds became a community library, renting premises from the former authority, but was threatened again when Raunds Town Council decided it was no longer needed.

A partnership was then set up between Raunds Community Library Trust (RCLT) and Creating Tomorrow College (CTC).

CTC took on the lease and RCLT organised the volunteers who ran the day-to-day operations of the service.

A spokesperson for the council said the Creating Tomorrow College was now seeking to exit the lease "as the library no longer fits with their strategic business model".

Carol Wilson-Frizzell, director of Creating Tomorrow College, said in 2023 that the library helped students with learning difficulties learn a range of skills

North Northamptonshire Council says it wants to find "a partner who can take over all the elements, including the lease".

It said the new partner would "help ensure the best possible service for the local community".

Any potential new partner would have to cover the leasing or purchase of the current building on the High Street or suitable alternative premises.

It would also have to ensure there were enough staff or volunteers to provide at least 12 opening hours per week.

The council would provide the books, a computer system and a self-surface library kiosk.

The new partner would have to agree to keep the library open for a minimum of 12 hours per week

Gregory West, the council's executive member for communities, said: "I would encourage anyone interested to submit their expression of interest and we hope that this unique opportunity will spark interest and enable the local community to continue to benefit from a dedicated library service in Raunds."

A deadline of 11 July has been set for potential partners to come forward.