Two Libraries Unlimited libraries shortlisted for RGB Well Built Community Fund

Combe Martin and Seaton Libraries, both run by Libraries Unlimited, have been shortlisted for the RGB Well Built Community Fund, with the winner being chosen in a public vote.

The initiative is part of RGB’s community fund, giving away £1,000 worth of building materials every other month to different groups and organisations in need of making building improvements.

The latest round of funding invited libraries and learning centres to nominate themselves, explaining what they would use the materials for and how it would improve the community building.

Combe Martin Library and Seaton Library were nominated by Libraries Unlimited and the staff and Friends Groups at the libraries. The team at RGB narrowed down all of the entries and shortlisted the two libraries and one other organisation in Bideford.

If successful, Friends of Seaton Library would like to create a community wildlife garden, providing a pleasant space for people to sit and read, as well as a sensory garden for those with disabilities. The space at the back of the library building would require some landscaping and building work to install a ramp and handrail, built-in seating, trellis for climbing plants and paint or treatment for the outside walls. The Friends Groups will provide the labour and it is hoped that the local community will donate a range of plants and flowers to fill the garden.

Friends of Combe Martin Library require the materials to complete some much-needed repairs and maintenance to the current building. The Friends Group would like to repaint both the interior and exterior of the Library, as well as filling in cracks that have appeared over the years in much of the plaster-work. The Friends Committee require materials such as vinyl emulsion, metal paint and filler to restore the library to its former glory.

The winner of the £1,000 of building supplies will now be voted for by the local community. If you would like to support your local library, voting opens on 27^th March.

Alby Cruse, Branch Manager at RGB Exmouth, commented: “Libraries don’t just give people the chance to borrow books; they also act as a place that offers study and meeting facilities, the chance for families to be involved in free events and much more, making them an important part of a local community.  With many libraries affected by funding cuts, we wanted to use our Community Fund to give them the opportunity to make renovations they may have been struggling to complete.”

Votes can be cast one of three ways:

Friends of Combe Martin Library:

1. By visiting RGB’s Ilfracombe branch and placing a chip in the Combe Martin Library box
2. By visiting RGB’s Facebook page – a poll will be pinned to the top of page
3. By emailing RGB@pmwcom.co.uk and putting ‘Community Fund – Combe Martin‘ in the subject box. Only one vote will be counted from each email address

Seaton Library:

1. By visiting RGB’s Exmouth branch and placing a chip in the Seaton Library box
2. By visiting RGB’s Facebook page – a poll will be pinned to the top of page
3. By emailing RGB@pmwcom.co.uk and putting ‘Community Fund – Seaton’ in the subject box. Only one vote will be counted from each email address

Votes can be cast between Monday 27^th March and midnight on Sunday 9^th April 2017 (votes can only be cast at the Ilfracombe and Exmouth branches during normal opening hours). Votes cast outside of these times will not be counted.