FOUR public libraries in South Warwickshire that had been threatened with the axe because of county council spending cuts have been given the go-ahead to be run by their local communities. They are at Bidford-on-Avon, Henley-in-Arden, Kineton and Studley.

At Bidford the library will be managed by residents with support from the parish council, offering a comprehensive service including lending of books, spoken word and DVDs, along with an information centre. The plan at Henley sees Henley Community Library and the parish council council deliver a service from the town’s guildhall, with whom the community has been discussing lease conditions. The proposal at Kineton involves the parish council taking over the running of the library, which is currently in the village hall. Initially it will be opening for eight hours a week, in line with existing activities in the hall.

Posted: Thursday 20th October.