Somersham Community Library is a library and information centre located in Church Street in the village of Somersham, Huntingdonshire.

We are run solely by local volunteers for the benefit of the community.

The Friends of Somersham Library are responsible for funding, running and maintaining the library. We started in 2003 in response to the announced closure of 10 libraries by Cambridgeshire County Council. All the 10 communities stepped up to the challenge and took over the running of these libraries. 20 years on, we are still going strong and better. Somersham Community Library (FOSL) has been a registered charity since 2012.

We currently have 8 Trustees and around 40 volunteers. Our volunteers do an array of tasks, not just working in the library during opening hours, but tasks such as preparing the books to go on the shelves, sorting the book donations we receive, organising fund-raising events, cleaning, gardening, maintaining the building. The library building is owned by the County Council but we are responsible for insuring and maintaining it. Our volunteers work incredibly hard to ensure the success of the library. We always welcome new volunteers and new trustees to join this worthwhile cause.

We fundraise constantly and apply for grants for specific projects all of which is done by our volunteers and Trustees. The dedication of our volunteers is recognised by our receiving the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2007 and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Valuing Volunteers Award in 2015.

We have links with Cambridgeshire County Council Library Service. Anyone who signs up at Somersham Community Library is automatically a member of the county-wide library service. This enables our customers to access the entire County book stock. In addition to books, we also have magazines and local newspapers, free public Wi-Fi, free access to computers for library members, printing, and photocopying facilities.

Customers will also find an abundance of information leaflets on health, education, leisure, and public transport. We have an information board for visitors to find out what’s on in the village and surrounding areas.

Our Children’s Library is a dedicated and welcoming space. This has been improved recently with a grant through Cambridgeshire Community Foundation.

 

Website www.somershamlibrary.org.uk

Email Somersham.library@hotmail.co.uk

Facebook www.facebook.com/somershamlibrary