Cambridgeshire County Council’s ruling group has decided keep £25 million in reserve, and to cut its support to ten Library Access Points across the county by 50% – a total of just £15,000. That includes Melbourn Library.

Ironically, the cut in support comes at a time when Melbourn Library is at an exciting crossroads. With new volunteers, a popular Under Fives Story Time, and realistic hopes of relocating to permanent premises, the library is looking to the future.

As an ’access point,’ the library houses a modest number of books but serves as an ordering, collection and return point for virtually any book in the Cambridgeshire Library system. You can order items from the on-line catalogue www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/leisure/libraries/online or by phone 0345 045 5225, and collect them at Melbourn. Items taken out anywhere in Cambridgeshire can be returned at Melbourn. The service is free.

The library is located in the aqua blue building with the bright red doors adjacent to the entrance of Melbourn Village College. It is open MWF 2:30–4:30, Th 5–7 and Sat 10–12. Under Fives Story Time is Thursdays during term time, 10–10:45 – just come along! Thanks to Parish Councillor Jocelyn Robson for spearheading the Story Time initiative.

Watch this space – ideas for permanent premises are now being discussed by the Parish Council. Regular updates will be posted at www.susanvandeven.com and on the Village website.