The Community Library Manager Appeal

Burgess Road Library is the busiest community library in Southampton. Since the library was threatened with closure in 2016 we have kept the doors open here for a full 26 hours per week (across four days, including weekends) running a full public library service entirely integrated with the city-wide council run libraries – and staffed only by volunteers.

With approximately 20,000 visitors a year we are a a valuable community resource. As a venue for Community Playlink’s Toy Library we provide a lifeline to many local families. Our regular Rhyme Time and Story Time activities are attended by dozens of children, and we know from many personal conversations what a difference the library service makes.

But we want to do more. In order to keep the library sustainable into the long-term, we hope to appoint a part-time Community Library Manager. Having researched how other community libraries operate, we are seeking to find funds for a person who can co-ordinate and train our volunteers, and expand our activities programme.

We anticipate costs of £35,000 for the first 3 years.

Could you help? Please contact our Treasurer at treasurer@burgessroadlibrary.org.uk.

Got questions, or interested in volunteering your time? Contact Aaron Duke, Chair of the Management Team, by clicking here.