Rutland County Council is seeking community input on the future of Ryhall Library, amid concerns over its potential closure and funding issues
Ryhall: The future of the local library is up in the air. Rutland County Council is asking for community feedback, but it’s unclear if the library will stay in its current spot.
Recently, folks in Ryhall have been worried. The council can’t afford the repairs needed for the library on Coppice Road and is even thinking about closing it down.
Local residents, Kevin Corby and Deborah Rolfe, have been gathering signatures for a petition outside the library. They, along with the Ryhall Parish Council, are looking into ways to keep the library running as a community project.
Now, the council has announced a consultation starting next week. They want to explore other options for library services in Ryhall.
Christine Wise, a cabinet member at the council, reassured everyone that they know how vital the library is to the community. She’s eager to hear what residents think about keeping the library alive.
The library was supposed to get some upgrades, but it looks like those plans might be scrapped. The council had set aside £70,000 for repairs, but the quotes came back at £250,000, which is way over budget.
Currently, the library is open three times a week and also serves as a warm space run by volunteers during other hours.
Details about the consultation will be shared soon, but there will be drop-in sessions for residents to voice their opinions on February 6, 7, and 13.
The consultation wraps up on February 27, just in time for the council to decide on the budget for 2025, which could include a decision about the library’s future.
