These libraries are: Borrowash, Brimington, Clowne, Creswell, Duffield, Etwall, Gamesley, Hadfield, Hayfield, Holmewood, Killamarsh, Melbourne, Old Whittington, Pinxton, Somercotes, Tideswell, Whaley Bridge, Whitwell, Wingerworth, and Woodville.
We're already working with organisations at some of these libraries, and are still looking for groups at others. See our progress page for the most up-to-date information.
How we will support you
Groups running a community managed library (CML) will be supported with:
- assistance from our staff through the application process and to manage the transition
- 5 years tapered grant funding
- up to 2 years assistance to manage finances
- training in all aspects of running a community library
- ongoing support from our staff
- ongoing building maintenance
- provision of resources and systems to ensure the library can operate as part of our statutory network for the benefit of its users
Funds have been allocated to ensure the smooth transition of the 20 libraries to community management. This includes a shared £50,000 pot to be used for external support from the voluntary sector experts 3D. This could be to help organisations become a constituted group, recruit volunteers or identify and apply for funding streams.
What we expect from organisations running community managed libraries
Any organisations taking over the management of a library will be expected to sign a Service Level Agreement, which is a legal contract detailing both what we expect from the organisation, and what they can expect from us.
Community managed libraries will commit to opening primarily as a library for the minimum number of hours set out in the relevant library information pack. As one of our statutory libraries, a community managed library will comply with certain policies and terms which will be discussed in detail and included in the Service Level Agreement.
Full details of our expectations, and the support on offer are available in the community managed libraries information pack.
What you should do now
Take time to consider the information in the community managed library information pack attached to this page.
In addition, there are individual library information packs available for each of the libraries proposed for community management. You can ask us to email these packs or send you a printed copy.
If you're interested in finding out more, email your details to community.libraries@derbyshire.gov.uk or, call us on 01629 533444, and we'll call you back.
Find out how to apply to run a community managed library.
If you're an individual who is interested and you need help to set up a group with other interested people, contact our team in any of these ways and we'll help.
Information to help with your application
There are now hundreds of community managed libraries across the country and there's a growing amount of advice, information and help available online. The following may be useful if you are thinking about applying to run a community managed library: