## **Annual Report** 

**FLAG (Finham Library Action Group)** 

## **6 June 2024-5 June 2025** 

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 Council provides maintenance of the building and required safety checks such as fire 



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alarms/safety provisions, PAT testing and general health and safety checks and signage. The current lease will expire in June 2027 and negotiations to renew the lease will take place starting in 2026. 

## **Activities** 

FLAG  continues to  provide a 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  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. 

The Chair Exercise classes first introduced in October 2022 have proved extremely popular and there are waiting lists for places even though the class runs twice per week. Feedback from those who take part has revealed a need for better information needed for older people who want to take more responsibility for their own health. To this end the library will be introducing the  ”EMU” © programme which has been devised by volunteers to address current needs. The programme will be supported by appropriately qualified trainers and speakers. It is anticipated that it will begin in January 2026 and concentrate on 3 areas - exercise, nutrition and new challenges for older people. 

Other regular activities include “Knit and Natter”, 2 book clubs, a family history society, Tai Chi and craft sessions for adults which are all 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. A regular monthly craft fair is due to commence on 7th June 2025 where stallholders will hire tables to sell their goods. 



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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 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 few younger volunteers. 

There are now about 30 volunteers who contribute to working regular shifts. There are 5 trustees to oversee the running of the library although one trustee has temporarily retired. 

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 as previously indicated. 

Trustees 

Denise Bird (Chair) 

Susan Vickery (Temporarily Retired 31/52025) 

Ina Murphy 

Andrew Gibbons 

Stanley McCarthy