Honley Library is to be handed over to the community – the culmination of three years’ hard work by volunteers.
Kirklees Council has agreed to transfer ownership of the building to Holme Valley Parish Council.
And, in turn, the Parish Council will lease the building to the Friends of Honley Library community group which has supported and helped to develop the existing services since 2013.
Significant financial support for the library has already been ringfenced by the Parish Council in its budget and reserves for the year ahead.
Before the current closure due to Covid regulations, the library was open for 19 hours a week with Kirklees library staff working alongside volunteers.
Under a five-year agreement as part of the asset transfer arrangements, Kirklees Library Service will continue to provide its current level of service with the day-to-day management of the library being undertaken by the Friends.
Jenny Lockwood, chair of the trustees at the FOHL, said: “We have been working for over three years to make this asset transfer happen in order to ensure a more secure future for this important local resource.
“None of this could have happened without the tremendous support of Holme Valley Parish Council and Kirklees Library Services.”
In a statement the Parish Council said: “We want to express our appreciation to all those involved, to congratulate the Friends, and to wish them every success in their forthcoming venture.
“The Parish Council offers you our full support and backing for your endeavours. We hope that the people of Honley will make great use of their library and embrace its many, creative, wide-ranging services, classes, resources and opportunities in the years ahead.”
