BOOK worms are being welcomed to the temporary ‘on trust’ library in Hoole before self-service computers are installed.
The reduced library service, based in Hoole Community Centre, Westminster Road, has taken over from the former Hoole Road premises, which closed due to health and safety.
Hoole Community Development Trust has agreed to accommodate the facility although Cheshire West and Chester Council will still be responsible for running services but using volunteers.
For the time-being anyone can drop in and borrow a book but there will be no way of recording a book borrowing or return so it is totally ‘on trust’.
It is anticipated the self-service computers for recording borrowings and returns will be installed later this month.
As a temporary measure, the opening hours for the library will be Mondays 2pm to 7pm, Tuesdays 2pm to 5pm, closed on Wednesday, Thursdays 2pm to 5pm, closed on Friday and Saturdays 10am to 1pm. Library users will be consulted as to what opening hours they would prefer for the future.
Cllr Alex Black (Labour) said: “The oak shelves from our old library have been skilfully adapted and installed for their new home. The rooms have been carpeted in a deep blue to match the chairs and the children’s room is much more spacious than the children’s corner was at the old library.
“I would like to thank all those involved - the council’s libraries department, Hoole Community Development Trust which runs the community centre, community payback who did the painting and decorating, the craftsman who made such a good job of the shelves and my colleague in Hoole ward Cllr Bob Thompson, for their hard work.”
Lib Dem Cllr Thompson said: “I’m delighted the new Hoole library is open for business. Everybody at the community centre welcomes the residents and we are confident they will enjoy the new facility.”
Application forms are in place for those who would like to become community volunteers at the library.
