A library which has fallen victim to austerity cuts is being saved by its community.
Honley residents have channelled fears for the village library’s future into something positive, as they organise events to stop the shelves from gathering dust.
Kirklees Council recently announced they would be cutting Honley Library’s opening hours to just 15 a week, and is relying on volunteers to run it.
But with Mondays and Thursdays shut altogether, volunteer Helen Harrison said the reduced hours may put people off going altogether.
“We’re worried that people will turn up, see it’s closed and not go back,” the mum-of-one said.
“The library’s success is monitored by the number of people taking out books, but it doesn’t take into account the hundreds of people who go there to sit, read, use the internet and meet people.”
Helen, 34, has been using the library every week since daughter Isabelle, five, was born.
She said: “It was a sanctuary for me as a new mum. It is a quiet place to meet others while getting my daughter to enjoy reading.”
But while the library’s future hangs in the balance amidst cuts to the arts, the community are running the Children’s Book Festival to stay busy.
The first event, a “Shark in the Park” outdoors storytelling session, will be held next Friday at 2.30pm.
Volunteer Carrie Birch is also planning to do a sponsored swim at Holmfirth pool, raising £500, while the Friends of Honley Library group are hosting a pop-up café on the first Saturday of every month.
Helen said: “We are hosting events to include everyone in the community, including Knit & Natter sessions and a poetry group.
“This shows the community is determined to do something and is actually making it happen.”
