Efforts to get community groups to take over the running of a number of libraries has been relaunched by Derbyshire County Council. 

The authority is looking for a total of 20 libraries across the county to be managed by the community - including those in Gamesley, Hadfield, Hayfield and Whaley Bridge. 

In other areas of Derbyshire, one library has been transferred over and work is ongoing to transfer a further five, but groups are still needed to come forward for the rest - including the four in the High Peak. 

County council leader Councillor Barry Lewis is encouraging community groups to take the first steps now and register their interest following a pause in the programme due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

Cllr Lewis said: “We’re hoping established groups, organisations or individuals wanting to form a group will seize the opportunity in 2022 to take over their local library and help to shape its future to suit the needs of their community.” 

To find out more about Libraries for Derbyshire and get more information about running a community library, people should go to www.derbyshire.gov.uk/librariesforderbyshire  

Here they can find more detailed information on how to get involved and information packs about each of the libraries.   

Financial support for successful groups will be provided with grant funding for five years. Groups wanting to express their interest or ask questions can email community.libraries@derbyshire.gov.uk or phone the council on 01629 533444. 

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