Volunteers to mark first "successful" year running Goathland Library

Volunteers who have worked tirelessly to provide a fully-functioning library at Goathland Community Hub since it was formed almost a year ago, said it had become an asset to the village.

The library, which is the first in the Moors village since the 1960s, serves as a drop-in facility for one day a week and aims to tackle loneliness and isolation.

Cath Jenkinson, volunteer co-ordinator, said the team had "absolutely loved" running the library since opening.

She said: "It has been a really successful year and all the volunteers have absolutely loved running their new library.

"We have members of all ages, from nine months to 94 years.

"The book stock is changed on a regular basis to give variety to everyone.

"Word is spreading beyond the village and children from the local school visit and borrow books regularly.

"Brian, a regular library user, is even baking a special chocolate cake for our party.”

A computing course, starting in January and run by North Yorkshire County Council, is set to bring even more purpose to the library.

Chrys Mellor, libraries general manager at North Yorkshire County Council, said: "We’re delighted at see the volunteers in Goathland celebrating their first successful year and are pleased to have been able to support them with a collection of books that is regularly refreshed from library stock.

"This success confirms how libraries are loved and valued by our communities and that people are willing to make the commitment to helping them continue to flourish.”

Next month the volunteers will hold it's first official birthday with coffee and mince pies on offer.

The event will take place on December 11 from 2.30pm.