Community Rallies Round To Run Gresford Library

The villages of Gresford and Marford have rallied to save and run a vital community facility.

As part of their £50m cuts in the next few years Wrexham Council took the step of closing Gresford Library at the end of March. However a group of locals have formed the “Gresford and District Library Company” (GDCL) to take on library services for the Gresford, Marford and Rossett area as a social enterprise.

Following an overall refurbishment Gresford Community Library opened for business as from May 6th and initially will be open on Tuesday 2:00pm -5:00pm, Friday 10:00am to 7pm, and Saturday 10am to 1.0pm. A growing band of over thirty volunteers have been recruited and they will be trained up in the basic requirements running the community library.

The “Grand Opening” is to be done on Saturday 17th May at 11.0am by local author Katie Flynn who also writes as Judy Turner and Judith Saxton. On visiting the library Katie praised the efforts of the community in taking on their library and said “to lose a local library is akin to losing a vital limb of the community. Entry to the opening is free, the doors are open from 10am, refreshments are to be provided and all are welcome.

Company Director Tim Dillon said: “we are very grateful to Gresford Community Council for their initial funding and to many local firms who have helped us in the few weeks we have been preparing for taking this on. Our aim is also to use our library as a niche community resource so if anyone has ideas please get in contact.”

In addition to looking at such ideas the company will be looking at sources of funding, areas of saving and possible development. If you would like to join their ranks you can email at [email protected] the company also has a Face book page and will be developing a website.