Raunds Library - A step closer to being community managed
15 August 2022
North Northamptonshire Council is a step closer to ensuring that a local library remains in Raunds to deliver valuable services to all sections of the community.
The Creating Tomorrow Academy Trust and the Raunds Community Library Trust have been selected to run the library in partnership. The lease arrangements will now go back before the Council’s Executive for final approval.
As part of the council’s Community Managed Libraries Programme, the council has been working to find a viable solution to enable the transfer of Raunds Library into community management.
To ensure that the best possible service is secured for the local community going forwards, the council put out a final call for any expressions of interest to take on the running of Raunds Library as a community managed library.
A procurement process and careful evaluation of the business plans submitted has enabled successful providers to be identified.
We have been working tirelessly with all concerned to find the best solution and there is every confidence that this outcome will secure the future of Raunds Library.Cllr Helen Howell, North Northamptonshire Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Sport, Leisure, Culture and Tourism
We’re pleased to say that we had two bids come forward, which shows very positive community engagement.
I am delighted that the outcome of this very robust process will allow the Raunds Community Library Trust volunteers to continue to run the library in Raunds alongside The Creating Tomorrow Academy Trust, who already have a very successful presence here in North Northamptonshire.
My sincere thanks to all concerned, particularly to the volunteers who have kept the library running in this interim period and we will continue to offer our support until the position is finalised.
The library is a wonderful asset for the residents of Raunds and I am pleased that we are a step closer to securing its future.Cllr Jason Smithers, Leader of the Council