Chellaston library to be managed by community

Published: 22 August 2019

Derby City Council will hand over operation of Chellaston Library to community management this October.

The Library will be operated by Derby charity Direct Help and Advice from the week commencing Monday 28th October. Chellaston Library’s last day under Council management will be Saturday 12th October.

During these temporary closures, the Council will carry out training to enable a smooth transition for customers and volunteers alike. In the interim, customers can access and reserve books at other Derby libraries, with eBooks continuing to be accessible 24/7 online.

Chellaston Library will become the seventh library to become community managed with plans for Allenton, Springwood and Derwent to also be transferred by the end of February 2020.

Councillor Robin Wood, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism, said:

A number of libraries have already been successfully handed over to their communities. Last year we took the decision to invest additional funds into the project to give it the best possible chance for success. It’s great that Direct Help and Advice will be working closely with communities so they can directly shape the services on offer.

Derby City Council is set to realise the project’s full ongoing annual saving of £673k in the 2020/21 financial year.

Community Action Derby is working in partnership with DHA to recruit volunteers for all proposed Community Managed Libraries. Members of the public who would like more information about the opportunity to be part of the future of local libraries and how to get involved in volunteering can call 01332 346266.

Community, Culture, Education