What a joy it is for families at Ackworth Community Library
Picture the scene... a selection of delicious homemade cakes is on display. Amongst them, Geoff's Blueberry with white chocolate buttercream and Louis's scones with clotted cream and jam. As well as the cake and biscuits there's a regular bowl of fresh fruit for the kids. The children play with the toys and help themselves to books excited for Friday's story Time. "I want to be a Pirate" followed by an activity to make your own pirate hat and a treasure chest. It is the first of many activities ahead of the school holidays all created and executed by the library staff and volunteers.
In 2013 Ackworth Community Library was rescued from council closure by Ackworth residents who set up a board of Trustees and is now manned by 3 paid employees and several volunteers. Over the years this library tea, it's volunteers, employees and trustees have brought their own skills and experience in business, tech, creativity and teaching to create this community library and hub which has so much to offer for all age groups.
Apart from the regular Friday coffee mornings there is the "The Chapter and Verse" book club , jigsaws, printing photocopying and computer services. All seasonal events are celebrated including Christmas, Halloween and Easter. A Warm Space scheme runs during the winter months with refreshments and snacks generously donated by Brakes from Hemsworth and The Go Local shop in Ackworth which kindly supplies the library with milk all year round. From October 2024 to March 2025 the library provided the community with almost 1000 free drinks.