Southport’s newest library is searching for two new Managers.
The Cornerstone Library will open in the former vestry at The Cornerstone Methodist Church on Marshside Road in Churchtown.
The new community hub and library will be operated by local charity, the North Meols Library Association.
In order for them to thrive, they need a Library Manager and a Volunteer Manager to ensure the opening can take place, and to ensure its smooth operation afterwards.
A variety of volunteer roles are also available for anyone who would like to help out.
Chair of Trustees, Elinor Dodd, said: “Since the closure of the hugely popular Churchtown Library in 2013, the communities of Banks, Churchtown, Crossens, High Park and Marshside have been without a local library facility.
“In 2015, a small but committed group of residents volunteered their time to find a suitable replacement. The Library in the Gardens project that local residents might recall, sadly proved unviable, but feedback and the success of pop-up library facilities reaffirmed the belief that a more permanent community hub and library were needed for the North Meols area.”
The Cornerstone Methodist Church generously stepped in to provide its unused vestry.
The Cornerstone Library is currently taking shape with a small number of volunteers now preparing the room and book stock in readiness to provide the much-valued facility and welcome visitors.
A list of varied volunteer roles, suitable for retirees, empty-nesters, part-time workers and students requiring work experience is available, but there are two crucial roles demanding the necessary focus to coordinate a successful opening that desperately need filling.
Trustee Kim Ardron said: “We really do need a Library Manager and a Volunteer Manager to help achieve the library’s opening, and ensure its smooth running once open.
“These roles require the focus we just aren’t in a position to give at present.
“We will open, but with the right help we can do so more efficiently, and so much sooner.”
Cornerstone Methodist Church in Southport. The Library is housed in the former vestry
The hub aims to offer library facilities, IT facilities and support, children’s story time sessions, rhyme time sessions, and more.
Kim said: “Together with book lending and providing the means to improve access to employment, the opportunities exist to be a resource centre for local and family history; and to work with the education sector to offer value where their budgets won’t allow.
“It is an exciting proposition for the area, and one we know is being eagerly anticipated.
“We just need a specific kind of help.”
If you are interested in fulfilling the management roles, or volunteering for other roles, please email The Trustees at: thecornerstonelibrary@gmail.com.
Like and Follow Cornerstone Library on Facebook/Instagram (@CornerstoneLibraryChurchtown) or Twitter (@Cornerstone_Lib) for up to date information on activities.
Or come along to one of the forthcoming book sorts (13 August, 10 September) to meet the volunteers in person.
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At last! A sign of good, civilized action; another library. Every town should have a library on every corner and this is a good start.