A much-loved facility, which was saved by its community 12 years ago, has been transferred as a community asset in a landmark moment to ensure its long-term viability.
Anlaby Park Community Library was approved for a 35-year Community Asset Transfer (CAT) by Hull City Council’s cabinet.
The CAT of Anlaby Park Library to Anlaby Park Community Library, Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), will ensure its long-term viability as a community-focused hub.
This will allow the continuation of services provided by the CIO in which it fosters learning, literacy and social inclusion by providing an accessible community-focused centre for social connections, activities, knowledge and creativity for the area.
Transfer of the facility to the CIO ensures it can take long-term responsibility for the site, including primary use as a library and community hub, in partnership with the council, to directly benefit user groups and the wider local community.
It also places the CIO in a position to secure external funding to continue to modernise the building to suit current users and to help to engage with prospective new ones.
Steve Ashton, chair of Anlaby Park Community Library trustees, said: “This is a landmark for Anlaby Park Community Library.
“What began as a campaign to save our much-loved community facility 12 years ago, has evolved into a successful and sustainable charity run by local people for local people.
“The CAT gives us the security and confidence to look beyond simply maintaining what we have achieved and to start planning for the next generation.
“It provides the foundation for our refurbishment plans, our environmental ambitions and the further development of the library as a community hub.
“The Trustees are now looking forward to building on the charity’s achievements to date and working with partners, volunteers, local community and most importantly, external funding opportunities to realise the full potential of the library.”
Cllr Ted Dolman, portfolio holder for communities and community safety, alongside Cllr Jack Haines, portfolio holder for communications and policy delivery at the council, at the council, said: “For years Anlaby Park Community Library has provided an excellent service to local people.
“We are delighted that improvement works have now started and that the team running the library have a long-term lease. From here, they can carry on their service in a much-loved building.
“This Community Asset Transfer will provide people with the ability to continue the tremendous work they do.”
Last month, Geo Houlton & Sons Ltd was awarded a contract by the council for internal and structural repairs, as well as electrical works and landscaping.
The Hull-based company started on site in September, with works scheduled to complete in 2027.
During the works, the library is running a reduced service from a nearby temporary building in the park.
