New library opens in Derwent

A new library has been opened as part of the Revive Healthy Living Centre in Derwent, Derbyshire.  The new building is the result of a partnership between Derwent Community Team, Derby City Libraries and local residents.

The library was the first facility in the building to open (5 March) and came after residents set up a development group, Derwent Community Library Group, and successfully applied for funding from New Deal for Communities from Derwent Community Team in partnership with Derby City Libraries.  Derwent Community Library Group was involved at all stages of development including choosing fixtures, fittings and books.

Dennis Tunnicliffe, chair of the Derwent Community Library Group, said: “We’ve sustained our enthusiasm over the past six years and learnt a lot on the way – it’s been an educational journey. With the expertise of the Library Development Worker and Library Manager alongside the community’s ideas and knowledge, we’ll have a great library.”

Councillor Alan Graves, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Direct Services, added: “Local people in Derwent were very heavily involved in encouraging the project to get off the ground.  The enthusiasm of residents was a real incentive for us to put a library in an area where there was such strong support from local people.

"I’m full of admiration for the library group. A library group helps us make sure services meet people’s needs. It means we can be more responsive to what people want and gives people the opportunity to have a say in how services develop.”

The Revive Health Living Centre has been built through funding from Derwent Community Team, East Midlands Development Association, Greater Derby Primary Care Trust, Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership, Active England, New Opportunities Fund and the European Regional Development Fund.

For more information contact Bernadette Roberts, library development worker on 01332 716644.