Community library rewarded with long-term lease

Julie Rubidge, chair of Earlsdon Carnegie Community Library, said they offer more than just books

A community library run by volunteers has been rewarded a long-term lease, securing its future for the next decade.

Earlsdon Carnegie Community Library is signing a 10-year lease with the city council for its current site in Earlsdon, Coventry, at 11:00 GMT.

Julie Rubidge, chair of trustees, said the library offers the community "so much more than books" as she welcomes the "huge achievement".

"Over 6,000 people a month come through our doors and we are determined to keep those doors open." she said.

She told the BBC the library almost shut in 2017 after three libraries in the community were earmarked for closure.

"Its been a long road and [today] we sign a 10-year lease in the context of at least 40-council-run libraries closing each year," she said.

"We've had to prove to the council that the library is in safe hands and we can do it."

After being taken over by volunteers in 2018, the library is now a registered charity, which has reinvented it into a community space and cultural hub.

'Everyone is welcome'

Ms Rubidge said: "We had to become truly a community library and seven years later I can say we've done that.

"We offer so much more than books - we are a designated warm welcome space and we offer a safe space in an ever busy world."

Seventy people give up their time to keep the site running, said Ms Rubidge.

"Everyone is welcome. Come in have a free hot drink and sit all day if you need to," she said.

"It's a really safe environment and warm welcoming one. I know with support we will continue to thrive."

The lease is due to be signed at 11:00 GMT.