Community library reopens
Huncote Community Library will be officially opening the doors to its new home next week - a former squash court at Blaby District Council's Huncote Leisure Centre.
The library will be formally launched on Saturday 10 October.
The Council offered Huncote Leisure Centre as a new site for the library following the closure of its previous location at Huncote Methodist Church Hall.
An under-used squash court has been repurposed with a new floor and ceiling thanks to external funding and money raised by the library volunteers' own efforts.
Over the last few weeks books, furniture and equipment have been installed in the room which now boasts bright sunny yellow walls.
Volunteers hope the larger space will offer scope for more community and family-friendly activities, tying in with events and promotions at the leisure centre.
Councillor Nick Chapman, Portfolio Holder for Health, Community and Economic Development, said: "We're delighted to welcome Huncote Community Library to our leisure centre, run in partnership with Everyone Active. This latest addition to provision at the centre truly widens its appeal to the whole community and we look forward to supporting the library in the coming months and years.
"With the recent improvements to the leisure centre’s sports hall and the relocation of Leicester Athena Volleyball club to the centre, we are taking a place-led approach to community development. I hope residents welcome the improvements."
Karen Smith, Secretary of Huncote Community Library, said: "The committee of Huncote Community Library are indebted to the tireless support of Councillor Maggie Wright and Alec Knight, chairman of Huncote Parish Council, as well as all our volunteers and supporters, who came together to raise the funds which have transformed the squash court into our new home.
"Also, the renovation contractors Gary Howard Services, whose team went above and beyond to help us move in. We are looking forward to working with Blaby District Council and Everyone Active in our new, larger space. Please do come along and see the transformation and our new services for yourselves."
James Naylor, Everyone Active’s area contract manager, said: "We are excited to welcome Huncote Community Library to Huncote Leisure Centre, widening the range of facilities on offer and increasing its appeal to the local community.
"With the centre including a state-of-the-art gym, group exercise studio, sports hall and 3G football pitch, alongside the new library and existing squash courts, there really is something for people of all ages, interests and abilities."
The official opening event runs from 10am to 1pm and will feature refreshments, children's activities including drawing, storytelling and colouring as well as a quiz for adults. All are welcome to attend.
Councillor Nick Chapman
Portfolio Holder for Health, Community and Economic Development