Friends of Honley Library Annual General Meeting: 13[th] September 2021
Report by Chair of Trustees
Despite the continuing lockdown and the inevitable effect that this has had on the provision of library services, the Management Committee and Board of Trustees have continued to work towards the future sustainability of the library building and the services we are aiming to provide.
We are continuing to work together in preparing for the Asset Transfer. At the time of writing this report we are close to completion. The legal agreements between the Holme Valley Parish Council and Kirklees (which clearly sets out the terms for library occupancy) and the sub-lease between Friends of Honley Library and the Parish Council (for the management of the building) are with our respective solicitors.
It has been a long and difficult road and I must take this opportunity to thank the Clerk and Members of Holme Valley Parish Council for their ongoing support. My thanks go to Nick Helm (Trustee) whose legal expertise has been invaluable during this lengthy process.
Under the professional expertise and guidance of Malcolm Ellis (Trustee), a schedule of building work has been drawn up and revised quotations sought for the repairs and maintenance, much needed to bring the exterior and interior of the building to an acceptable standard. A full structural survey has been carried out.
A priority will be the renewal of lighting to the interior and the provision of better heating controls within the building. A full energy audit has recently been carried out on behalf of the Parish Council by Paschali Consultants and, following their recommendations, a revised brief issued to the contractors who previously quoted. An application to One Community, Bright Green Community Trust, has been submitted for funding to support this work.
During lockdown we have continued to build on our relationship with other local organisations. Honley Community Growers are all set to work with us on the improvement of the outside space with opportunities to provide children and adults with a community growing space. We provided support for the very successful Open Gardens weekend in the village and are in close contact with Friends of Honley and Honley Business Association. These and other local organisations are working to provide better support for the youth of the village.
Throughout the year we have maintained close contact with library staff and thanks go to Kirklees Library Service for support during a difficult year. Kirklees Library Service came forward to offer support with the Open Gardens Weekend, providing much needed gazebos for all outdoor and children’s activities. We look forward to continuing a close working relationship with the library service during the transition period and beyond.
Finally, I am indebted to Ann Brooks and all the Management Committee who have worked tirelessly during the lockdown. It is a tribute to Carrie Birch and her team that a Children’s Book festival will go ahead this summer both indoors and
outdoors! We look forward to the Library being once again fully open for business and to welcoming back all our wonderful volunteers.
Jenny Lockwood
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