VOLUNTEERS have reopened a library near Selby, three months after it was closed to save money.

The volunteers at Barlby Library celebrated the official reopening with a special ceremony yesterday with Coun Cliff Trotter, from North Yorkshire County Council, and County, District Councillor and Chairman of Barlby and Osgodby Parish Council, Brian Marshall.

Local resident Keith Martin is a member of the management committee, and said the whole group was very proud to see their efforts pay off.

Mr Martin, 73, said: “We’re very proud the library has been saved by the public.

“I’ve been a resident in Barlby for 49 years and although I didn’t use it a great deal, it was sad to see it close so we set up a team of volunteers and we’ve got it up and running again at last.”

A total of 25 volunteers work at the library and all have undertaken training to get involved in what is the first stage of a project to establish a community hub in the parish in order to provide a venue for local people and societies to hold meetings and small community events.

Mr Martin said: “We’re mostly retired up to the age of 80, but there are also one or two younger people, including one young lady who’s not quite old enough to be a volunteer, but will be joining our team later this year. We’re hoping people haven’t left us and gone elsewhere since the library closed in March. We’re hopeful it will be a permanent return for the library.

“Barlby and Osgodby Parish Council has purchased the premises, so it’s also going to be used as a council office and community hub, so when it does get fully up and running, any functions will be able to take place there, from meetings to coffee mornings.”