A VILLAGE is set to gain a new library 52 years after its previous one closed.

Goathland, in the North York Moors, is preparing for a big day on Wednesday, December 12 when its new library opens.

It will be based in the new Community Hub and was one of the key drivers behind the overall development and has been supported by North Yorkshire County Council’s library service.

The original village library, which was in the Reading Room, closed in 1966 with the advent of mobile libraries - that service also disappeared in 2011.

Keith Thompson, chairman of the Hub said: “Effectively, 52 years on we have come full circle.

“We have a volunteer group of ten to run it and of course it’s open to anyone in North Yorkshire.

“Hopefully, it will become more than just a library for those who use it. Visitors can have a coffee, sit in the sun outside and socialise.

The official opening takes place at 2pm.