DofE volunteer raises cash for Tadcaster library

Abigail started volunteering at the Library in May 2019 as part of her Duke of Edinburgh Award Bronse and has moved on to Silver.

When the Library had to close in March this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, the resourceful student decided to carry on volunteering for the library in a different way.

Inspired by a friend, Abigail started sewing face masks and selling them, with profits going to the Library.

She offered a range of sizes and fabrics & with a professional look and finish, the masks were in high demand and the project soon took off.

Abigail, 15, said: “It felt good to be able to put something back into the Library who were helping me with my Duke of Edinburgh Award.”

The Library has now reopened and the volunteers and committee were delighted to hear that Abigail has raised an impressive £375, which will go towards replacing all the seating in the children’s area.

Abigail’s mum Sue said, “I am very proud that Abigail was willing to adapt to the situation that we were living through and found a way to continue her volunteering, while raising money for a good cause within her local community.

“It was hard work and a lot of hours were spent at the sewing machine but given she managed to raise a sum far greater than we anticipated.”

Tadcaster Community Library is open to all customers old and new, offering its usual range of services from book borrowing to public computer sessions.

The opening days are currently reduced to Tuesdays 2-6pm, Thursdays 9am-1pm and Saturdays 10am-noon.

The library has a Facebook page where updates to times and services are posted.