Find out how friends groups are improving the offer at Lancashire's libraries

There are now almost 40 established groups across Lancashire.

Some of them have been running for more than a decade, while others are just getting started, but they all play an important role in supporting libraries and enhancing what they have to offer.

Many of the groups have raised money to hold events or improve outdoor areas, both through fundraising and applying for grants.

Savick library, which was recently reopened by the current administration, applied for funding to enable them to be able to show films, while Chorley library have hosted local bands and other talent.

Maura Dutton is originally from New York and helped set up a friends group at Eccleston library.

She said:

"I saw a notice about starting the group and I thought this was a win-win situation because it's helping the library and presumably meeting like-minded people.

"That's exactly the way it worked out and I'm still very good friends with my friends on the committee at Eccleston."

Maura has since moved to north Lancashire where she became the secretary of the Friends of Carnforth library group.

She said:

"It's a very new group, it started up last September. We have such a nice bunch and they're very talented so we've made incredible steps in that time and we're now working on a schedule of events.

"We encourage people to come in and let them know what's on offer, and we can also raise money for those special things that the library needs that perhaps aren't part of the everyday running budget.

"It's a very welcoming group and we're always on the lookout for anybody who can add to the diversity of talent that we have.

"Please come along and learn about what we're attempting to do for the library. It's a hub of the community and there's so many things that are going on there."

Elaine Stringfellow is the chair of the Friends of Leyland library, which has been established for approximately two years.

She got involved as her sister works in the library and told her they were looking for people to set up a friends group.

Elaine said:

"We’ve established a quiz and afternoon tea on the last Saturday of the month. It started out with just a handful of people but we now have about 30-40 people attending.

"I feel that it's really reduced isolation for a lot of people. Many who come regularly say how nice it is to get out and that's the only time they've been out this week.

"We've also had about 40 yoga sessions in the library, as well as salsa dancing, mindfulness events and children's yoga which have all been paid for with funding that we've received.

"It's bringing in people to the library who wouldn't normally come in and realising that there's a lot more going on in the library than just books."

County Councillor Ash Sutcliffe, Lead Member for Culture and Skills, said: 

"I am very passionate about our friends of library groups and what a vital role they play in making our libraries a key part of the local community. I describe friends groups as the colour and life of our libraries.

"Some of the events that they've organised include fashion shows, sign language courses and exercise classes.

"We are always looking for more residents to engage with our friends groups, whether that's becoming a part of an existing group or setting up your own."

You can find out more about library friends groups and setting up one here: Library friends groups - Lancashire County Council