Starbeck set for community library launch

For months the Starbeck community has been rallying together to save its treasured library from threat of closure  - now, thanks to the dedication of everybody involved, it will officially open as a volunteer-run service on April 1.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Mar 2017, 21:44 BST
Updated 24th Mar 2017, 10:11 BST
Starbeck Library volunteers. Volunteers Jane Stokes, Christine Stewart, Coun Janet Law, Irene Lupton, Peter Smith, Carol Pickard, Maureen Walker, Margaret Manning, Joy Mitchell and Coun Margaret Ann de Courcey Bayley. (1609061AM1).Starbeck Library volunteers. Volunteers Jane Stokes, Christine Stewart, Coun Janet Law, Irene Lupton, Peter Smith, Carol Pickard, Maureen Walker, Margaret Manning, Joy Mitchell and Coun Margaret Ann de Courcey Bayley. (1609061AM1).
Starbeck Library volunteers. Volunteers Jane Stokes, Christine Stewart, Coun Janet Law, Irene Lupton, Peter Smith, Carol Pickard, Maureen Walker, Margaret Manning, Joy Mitchell and Coun Margaret Ann de Courcey Bayley. (1609061AM1).

In September last year the Advertiser reported that the library was in negotiations with North Yorkshire County Council to become a 'community-managed' service - a move which volunteers felt they had "no choice" but to make in the face of council cuts.

Fearing for the future, Starbeck united to keep their library open, and the launch event will be a proud moment for everyone who has fought to protect it.

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Moira Smith, one of the volunteer coordinators, said: “We were never, ever going to lose our library. Our volunteers have contributed so much over the past few months, helping prepare for our transition to this superb community facility for Starbeck”.

Chair of the Management Team, Julia Mosley, said: “We’ll have a badge making event for children, string musicians from the Music Centre, a book sale in our large meeting room, and the opportunity for residents to say how they want to use this marvellous facility. All this as well as refreshments. And of course we’ll be open for business as usual”.

Secretary of the Management Team, Martin Weeks, said: “This event will also celebrate our new branding. The new identity, designed by local design company Caslon & Co. has given us a cohesive contemporary look that helps mark the ‘change’ as we move into a new era for the library”.

The Mayor of the Borough of Harrogate, Coun Nick Brown, will cut the ribbon on the steps of the library at 10am on April 1, followed by a range of activities running inside until 12pm, Andrew Jones MP will also be attending to show his support, alongside officers from North Yorkshire County Council.

Related topics:North Yorkshire County CouncilAndrew Jones