LIBRARY campaigners in Wiveliscombe are hoping the service will continue in the town from next April.

The library is one of 15 in Somerset threatened with closure unless a library partnership is formed with Somerset County Council.

Now Wiveliscombe Town Council has decided to submit a non-binding expression of interest in doing so after more than 100 people attended its latest meeting.

Library campaigner Julian Mellor said the town council would raise the local precept and enter into a seven-year agreement with the county.

The county would put in £9,000 a year which would leave the town having to fund up to another £8,500.

Mr Mellor said that for a Band D property in Wiveliscombe that would mean council tax payers having to pay an extra £5.30 to £7.50 a year.

Neighbouring parishes may also contribute towards the cost and Milverton has already agreed in principle to do so.

Arrangements will need to be finalised and agreed by mid-January to enable the Community Library Partnership to proceed and take over from April.

He added: “Library users should not notice much difference when they walk into the library in April. It will be the same librarian lending the same books using the same computer terminal – and users will be using the same card.

“But with the town council running the building it could potentially be put to wider use. When the library isn’t being open as the library, other things could be happening in the building.

“More volunteering opportunities could also be on offer – although the whole thing can’t be run by volunteers, volunteering has a place.”

Mr Mellor said an anonymous donor had contributed a four-figure sum to help keep the library running.