Annual Report
FLAG (Finham Library Action Group)
6 June 2023-5 June 2024
Registered Charity No. (England and Wales) 1178631
Background
FLAG is a registered charity providing library services and community activities for people in south Coventry and surrounding areas including local villages. It is entirely run by volunteers, many of whom are retired individuals. There are no employees. Coventry City
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Council provides maintenance of the building and required safety checks such as fire alarms/safety provisions, PAT testing and general health and safety checks and signage.
Activities
FLAG provides a good variety of reading materials and includes large print titles, talking books and foreign language novels to facilitate the ability of all to enjoy great books and magazines. Members of the library are also able to download books from various online resources available through Coventry City Council.
FLAG has also hosted a variety of activities during the year including Rhyme Time (twice per week) which encourages music and play for pre school age children. This age group is also entertained by a fortnightly craft and story group which often celebrates relevant festivals such as Easter, Christmas and Diwali and had great fun making crowns and coronation regalia to celebrate the accession of HM King Charles III in September 2022. The children were also hugely entertained by a visit from Santa in December.
The library also introduced chair exercise classes in October 2022 which are aimed at over 60s and those with mobility issues. There are 2 qualified and insured people who take these classes. There was high demand for places so a second class was introduced 6 months after the start of the first group. These are very successful and health
improvements have been reported by group members. The participants are encouraged to stay for a while after the end of the class to enjoy a drink and a chat.
Other regular activities include “Knit and Natter”, a book club and craft sessions for adults which are well attended. Coventry City ward councillors also run surgeries once per month to engage with local residents.
Fundraising and Expenditure
Funds are raised by charging for the events which are hosted at the library. We try to keep the charges as low as possible to enable wider participation. Typically the fees per activity range from £1- £3 per participant and provide a regular income. In the year 2023-4 the library hosted a quiz, a plant sale as well as book and cake sales to boost income. There is also a small cafe area where people can purchase refreshments. A small amount of money is raised through direct donations and room hire of library premises.
Income was spent on contributions to running costs to Coventry City Council, cafe supplies, craft supplies, window cleaning, insurance, cleaning supplies and replacement of sundries
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to support the day to day running of the library. The library seeks at all times to maintain a healthy bank balance to ensure that it continues to meet financial commitments.
Volunteers and Trustees
As previously noted many of our volunteers are retired and come from a variety of previous working backgrounds. We also have a couple of younger volunteers.
There are about 25 volunteers who contribute to working regular shifts. There are 5 trustees to oversee the running of the library.
Attempts to recruit more volunteers and prospective trustees have proved difficult and there has been little response to locally placed “advertisements” in the library and on local social media. We are especially keen to recruit prospective trustees to ensure the continuity of library services well into the future but little interest in becoming involved has been displayed by the local population.
Future Plans
The trustees will continue to monitor the need and variety of future activities to serve the local community. Plans are in the early stages to introduce initiatives which will help to promote healthy living and improve lifestyle choices for adults.
Trustees
Denise Bird (Chair)
Susan Vickery
Ina Murphy
Andrew Gibbons
Stanley McCarthy