Shifnal Library: New chapter for town as venue reopens
At one point it looked like it's days were numbered.
But now there has been a further step in the resurgence of Shifnal Library.
The venue in Broadway was officially reopened by the town's mayor Councillor Robert Harrop on Friday.
It comes after members of Shifnal Town Council came up with a plan to save it after Shropshire Council earmarked it for the axe.
The library was one of a number across Shropshire under threat after Shropshire Council said it could no longer afford to run the book lending service at its existing level.
The town council announced in January that it would move into the building as part of a plan to maintain it for the residents.
The venue was closed the following month for renovation and workers at the library said it has increased the number of people using it.
Julie Miller, manager at Shifnal Library, said: "The renovation work has improved people's perception of the library and the services that it can offer residents. The number of people joining the library has increased significantly. The town council is also receiving more residents who are engaging with officers in a pro-active way."
Pupils from both primary schools in Shifnal, who have taken part in this year's annual Summer Reading Challenge, the Big Friendly Read with Roald Dahl, were also in attendance at the opening ceremony and were presented with their medal from Councillor Harrop.
The mayor said: "I am delighted to be able to be part of this highly popular and interesting challenge.
"The feedback from all those involved, young and old, has been extremely positive and they are looking forward to next year's challenge."
It is hoped a group can be formed in order to promote and safeguard library services within Shifnal.
Shropshire Council's cabinet approved a proposal in July to close Shawbury's library and to replace it with a mobile service once a week, and also confirmed plans to cut a total of 57 opening hours across 11 of the county's libraries.
Telford & Wrekin Council is also looking to review its libraries.
Cabinet chiefs met on Wednesday at Addenbrooke House, in Telford, and unanimously voted in favour of plans that will see the services continue.
But three of the six under-threat libraries – Donnington, Dawley and Stirchley – will be run by town or parish councils, similarly to Shifnal.
A fourth library in Hadley will be run by Hadley Learning Community, supported by Hadley & Leegomery Parish Council.
Telford & Wrekin Council will also continue to run and operate Newport and Madeley library, with some changes to opening hours. Southwater and Wellington libraries will also continue to be run by the council. In Oakengates, the library will also be run by the council as it is part of Oakengates Theatre.
