After concerns that the Bollington library could close, the people of Bollington have took action to ensure that Cheshire East Council keeps the library open.

One way of achieving this, could be a petition, which yesterday passed the 1000 signature milestone.

The library is seen as a cornerstone of the community, as an estimated 50% of the Bollington population enjoy the books, magazines, audiobooks and much more on which the library offers access to. (According to Friends of Bollington Library).

The treasured institution is also a gathering place that connects the community through all-ages, from baby groups that support new parents to providing older people with technology.

The petition as of publication.

As evidenced by a protest last week, the people of Bollington feel is a vital part of the community that combats isolation.

Julia Cooper started the petition, wrote on Change.org.

"The library is a beacon of community spirit", Julia said.

"Removing this space would sever these vital connections, leaving thousands of regular users without a safe, welcoming place to gather and grow.

"If you visit the library on a Saturday morning, it is a hive of activity.

"It is clearly loved by children, adults and the librarians who go above and beyond to make the community hub that it is."

Not only are the people of Bollington fighting for the continuation of the Library itself, but also for the other elements which make the library the backbone for the town.

Friends of Bollington Fibrary promotes their free membership for organised events/activities, driving engagement in the local Bollington community and beyond, and the collaborative work of library's staff and volunteers.

The effect of this on the town is nothing short of success, in which Bollington schools can collect books, new parents can forge new friendships, and the people of Bollington can become so much more integrated into the community of the town.

"This library has provided an essential resource for myself and my family for well over 30 years", one library member said.

"We used so many of the resources over the years. It is a wonderful place where people of all ages can all enjoy being together without prejudice.

"The staff are hugely helpful and caring.

"The value of the library is hugely important to us all.

"Cheshire East Council is planning to consult the public on proposals to close Bollington Library with effect from January 1st 2025, however the people will do what they can to ensure that the library will remain in the community for generations to come."

The 1000 signature milestone comes at the same time that a new 'community library status' could beckon for Bollington Library.

The proposals are expected to be discussed at Cheshire East Council's Environment and Communities Committee on Thursday July 18.

It is expected that Friends of Bollington Library will attend, at the meeting which starts at 19am at Macclesfield Town Hall.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service earlier this week, Councillor Mick Warren, chair of Cheshire East Council's environment and communities committee, said: "The council's adopted medium-term financial strategy (MTFS) for 2024 to 2028 sets out proposals for how the council will balance its budget for the next four years.

The rumoured closure follows the reduction of opening hours implemented late last year.

"This includes proposals to ensure the ongoing affordability of providing a broad range of library services across Cheshire East, while also making the necessary savings the council must deliver to protect essential services and continue to support those who need help the most.

"Next week, the environment and communities committee will consider a report which seeks approval to launch a public consultation on a number of options for library services, including how some of the council's smaller libraries can be operated in a different way.

"No final decisions have yet been made. 

"Subject to approval by committee, we expect to launch the consultation in August and will be encouraging people to have their say through this, as well as engaging with community organisations and town and parish councils to explore opportunities for working in partnership to support library services in their local areas." 

The Friends of Bollington Library is an independent body which aims to engage with the Bollington community at large to encourage awareness and use of Bollington Library through events, activities and publicity.

Bollington Library is currently open five days a week.

The petition can be signed HERE.