First Somerset Community Library Partnerships signed

Somerset County Council has announced six ‘Community Library Partnerships’ have recently been signed, committing the authority to deliver library services together in future.

Existing library buildings will remain open, with community partners working together with Somerset County Council in the following six communities: Bruton, Nether Stowey, North Petherton, Somerton, Watchet and Wiveliscombe. A further three Community Library Partnerships in Castle Cary, Porlock and South Petherton are currently making decisions on whether to sign Community Library Partnerships.

Last November, Somerset County Council agreed to retain 19 of its existing libraries and seek help from communities to run 15 other library buildings as Community Library Partnerships. Each Community Library Partnership has been shaped by community partners and will be managed differently with arrangements tailored to meet the circumstances of individual communities.

David Hall, cabinet member with responsibility for libraries at the council, said: “This week marks a hugely important and welcome milestone for Somerset’s Libraries Service. It’s great news so many Community Library Partnerships were signed and I’d like to thank everyone for all their hard work, dedication and commitment in bringing this about. We look forward to working closely with our partners to deliver libraries services together in these communities going forward.”