A drive to get local groups to take over the reins at four High Peak libraries is being relaunched. 

In total, Derbyshire County Council want to transfer 20 libraries across the county to community management, with plans in place for six so far. 

They now want to hear from groups interesting in running libraries in various communities - including Gamesley, Hadfield, Hayfield and Whaley Bridge. 

County council leader Councillor Barry Lewis said: “The opportunities are there for the taking and we know there are people out there who will seize the chance to put libraries back into the heart of their town or village.” 

He said groups will have the chance to shape the future of their local library by making it work for their communities and could create tailor-made local hubs offering not just books but possibly community markets, activities and creative platforms. 

The drive is part of the county council’s 'Libraries for Derbyshire' strategy which was first launched at the beginning of 2019. 

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. 

People will also be able to access detailed information about each library, including facts about the building, opening hours, an inventory and an 'expression of interest' form. 

For successful groups, support from the council will include grant funding for five years and assistance in the financial processes of running a community managed library for the first two years. 

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