MARKET Lavington Library has reopened in its new location after closing its doors in 2020 due to the pandemic.

The new library is now open at the Old School, Church Street, thanks to the partnership between Wiltshire Council and Market Lavington Parish Council.

Market Lavington Library reopening means all of Wiltshire’s 34 are now back open.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald:

Situated in the John Reid Room the library will provide a flexible space with moveable shelving for group visits and increased activities for all ages.

The previous library developed some building issues during the pandemic which delayed its reopening after lockdown was lifted.

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A spokesman for the council said: “The move to the Old School is part of a new strategy to ensure libraries in Wiltshire are at the heart of their community.

“By sharing buildings in village locations, this initiative helps to provide a focal point for the community, with Wiltshire Council supporting Market Lavington Parish Council in developing the Old School as a vibrant hub of activity for residents.

“The new location offers improved public access and facilities for customers and volunteers encompassing an adjacent car park, kitchen, toilets and disabled access.”

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To begin with the library will be open on Wednesdays between 2pm and 5pm and Fridays at 10am to 5pm.

It will return to opening 12 hours every week as soon as additional volunteers have been trained.

Cabinet member for libraries, Ian Blair-Pilling, said, “I’d like to thank everyone for making the reopening of the library possible.

“Special mention should go to the Parish Council who have offered us space for a library in the Old School, which together we look forward to developing as a Community Hub for the village.

“The library staff and volunteers have also done a wonderful job organising the move, ensuring the space looks welcoming when people come in to borrow books and use a computer.”

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Chairman of Market Lavington Parish Council, Colin Osborn said: “Libraries, and the activities linked to them, are important in all communities, and what has happened in Market Lavington is an example of what can be done when volunteers, a Parish Council, and the County Council can work together for a common vision.”

All of Wiltshire’s libraries are free to join with best-selling fiction titles alongside educational books, days out, job seeking and study.

Books for all ages are available in a variety of formats including large print and eBooks.

There is free Wi-Fi, computer and scanner access, plus printing for a small charge.

“The move to the Old School is part of a new strategy to ensure libraries in Wiltshire are at the heart of their community”