This afternoon, three of us paid a visit to The Cornerstone Library, in Churchtown, Southport. Ten years ago, most of the branch libraries in Sefton were closed, leaving some communities (such as Churchtown) without a library. We can relate!

Now, after a great deal of work and fantastic support from the community (again, we can relate!), a library has been opened, and is run by a local charity, the North Meols Library Association.

It was invaluable to hear from Rosie, Joan and Paul (three of their volunteers) on what they have found works, the plans and safeguards they have made and how they lend their 2,000+ stock of books.

Most of our questions centred on their use of the ‘Simple Little Library System’ that enables library members to browse the books that are available, see the new titles, reserve and renew borrowing. You can see how Cornerstone use their system here.