WORK is underway on a town library ahead of its reopening as a community hub.

From April, Norton Library, which has been given charitable status, will be solely dependent on volunteers to keep it fully operational.

County Councillor Elizabeth Shields, who chairs the Norton Community Library Group, said they had also secured a 10-year lease with North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC).

“Last Saturday, volunteers and users of Norton Library enjoyed a friendly get-together over a hot drink and delicious cakes to find out more about the changes to expect over the next mon

“With under a month to go before Norton Library officially becomes a ‘Community’ library, to be managed entirely by a team of dedicated volunteers, work began on Monday to make changes to the interior.

“ The existing reception foyer will be moved to the entrance space, disabled toilet facilities will be created next to the existing toilet and a kitchen area will be installed so that people can enjoy refreshments whilst in the library.

Cllr Shields said the official date for the take-over was April 1 but the library will be closed from April 1 to 10 in order that essential maintenance can be carried out.

“This will include the laying of new carpet and some decorating. We want to make the library as attractive to users as possible to encourage people to come and find out about the many things that the library can offer,” she added.

“A new colour scheme and new logo are still closely guarded secrets but these will be announced as soon as everything is ready - something to look out for in the near future.”

Volunteers, both to help in the library and to help with cleaning, painting and general maintenance. For more information phone 01609 534552 or call Trish on 01653 690535 or Marion on 01653 228798.