Library lovers are being urgently called to help keep Denby Dale’s facility open.

While work is underway to build a new library for the village, the team of volunteers behind the project will shortly have to take over the running of the current Wakefield Road premises as Kirklees Council withdraws one of its two members of staff.

In a few weeks time, the Denby Dale Community Project, who have struck a deal with the council to launch a volunteer led service, will take over responsibility for the building.

It intends to demolish it and create a purpose built library and community centre on the same site.

Clr Jim Dodds, who is leading the charity, said: “We have an agreement with Kirklees Library service that they will provide one paid member of staff for the next three years and we will support that member of staff with volunteers. We are currently working on an asset transfer document and once that is signed we will be providing the volunteers on a rota basis.

“We do not have any firm date for that but it will be sooner rather than later.

“Over the past two years the Denby Dale Community Project team has been putting into place the framework that will ensure that the Denby Dale Library will remain open and retain its position as part of the Kirklees Library Service.

“We have now reached the stage where we need to call on all of those who appreciate having a village library to contribute in some way. There are three distinct phases before the new community building opens its doors, and we are fast approaching the start of this first phase.

“We urgently need to engage volunteers who will assist the member of the Kirklees Library Service staff in the day to day tasks in the library. There are 25 hours to be covered during the day, on Saturday morning and evening opening until seven. Essentially this is to provide health, safety and security in the building but there are other tasks that you may carry out. “Reading and rhyme time for the younger readers for example, as well as keeping the shelves in order, helping others find things, maybe helping with IT queries if you enjoy doing that and have some expertise in that area.”

An open day for interested volunteers is being hosted on Thursday, April 10 between 2pm and 6pm.

Members of the project team and the Kirklees Library Service will be available to answer any questions about the volunteer opportunities in the library, the training on offer and how to sign up to make this initiative something Denby Dalers can be proud of.

Contact: info@ddcp.org 0845 463 1882 (local rates apply) or www.ddcp.org .