THE new community library at Studley has now gone live, to the delight of residents and volunteers.

The library closed on March 23 with a community group then taking over its management and launching a new service at the village hall. It will be part of the community hub at the village hall which also features a stage, cinema facilities, a café and a meeting room.

The community library will be supported by Warwickshire County Council which will continue to loan stock. Staff from the county council has also worked alongside volunteers for the last few weeks, providing training on the job in library-related work.

Libraries staff will continue to support the local community to ensure the sustainability of the library service. There will be a dedicated helpline for volunteers to call for advice if required.

Clive Rickhards of the Studley Community Library volunteers, said: “What’s really good is how it has brought the community together. A lot of people have met for the first time in doing this and it is a testament to the community spirit of Studley.”

Councillor Colin Hayfield, portfolio holder for customers, access and physical assets at Warwickshire County Council, said: “The community of Studley should be congratulated for the manner in which it has responded to the challenge of providing a community library. “The county council will continue to work with the parish council and we are delighted to offer them our full support.”

For further information on the transformation of Warwickshire Library and Information Service,see libraryconsult.wordpress.com.