The popular weekly pop up library at Shotley has been saved from closure, for at least another few months.

Shotley's pop up library which runs on Monday afternoons at the village hall was set to close this month, however enough funding has been secured to ensure it can continue at least until the end of the financial year, end of March 223.

Friends of Shotley Library volunteers and supporters (©NubNews)

A constituted group called Friends of Shotley Library was set up by Babergh councillor Derek Davis, who also provided funding from his locally award budget.

Sharon Kennedy has volunteered to chair the Friends of Shotley Library and is hoping more parents and supporters will join her, librarian Tom Veasey, Gloria, Cllr Davis and Sarah Pallant, in helping run the group and secure the pop up's longer term future.

Fellow Babergh councillor Jane Gould, who represents the neighbouring Orwell ward, which includes Chelmondiston, Woolverstone and Holbrook, also contributed from her budget.

Suffolk county councillor Simon Harley, also pledged a grant from his local budget, and it is hoped Shotley parish council will contribute when they meet to decide later in November.

Suffolk Libraries' Tom Veasey, whose Tot Rock is a favourite segment with young children and parents alike, is delighted he will continue visiting Shotley on a regular basis.

"It is fantastic that the Shotley library will continue running until at least the end of this financial year and I'm sure the customers are over the moon as well."

Shotley is one of three 'Local' libraries that Tom runs, as a separate entity from the county libraries and he feels it has its own identity.

"It is the customers that make Shotley so special," said Tom. "There is a great sense of community in Shotley. because it is little isolated they tend to make thrown entertainment, which they are really good at.

"The village hall is a real village centre and the library adds to that sense of community.

"It is well attended and people love coming here.."

It is not just Shotley residents that can benefit from the unique pop up library facility and events, and villagers from Holbrook and Chelmondiston are regulars too.

Tom Veasey delighted pop up will continue (©NubNews)

Tom is fully supportive of the new group and has called for even more people to get involved and get behind the chair Sharon Kennedy.

He added: "Longer term the Friends of Shotley Library will have to apply for more grants funding to keep us running.

"Shazz is a wonderful person and ideal to be chair.

"You can be a friend quite informally, anything you can do to he will be welcome, especially telling people about us."

Shotley's pop-up library is not your typical 'shhh library, and includes a number of activities and events for all ages, including pizza making, waving, music sessions.

Babergh problems solving advisers Taylor Potter and Caire White (©NubNews)

Babergh holds a monthly customer services pop up session on the first Monday of every month, excluding Bank Holidays, which allows residents to speak with officers about issues especially if they are not comfortable with using the online services.

As the colder days loom, the village hall will be used as a warm space during the library opening hours where users can get a hot drink and enjoy other peoples company, with or without a book.

The Rural Coffee Caravan visits monthly, and now the colder weather is here, Gary Simmonds sets up a small stall inside, although still gets hot tea and coffee from the caravan for all.

There are plans in place to hold a 'getting to know you' event on Monday, December 12, with sausage and mash so even more people can learn about the library and its positive impact for the peninsula.

Garry Simmonds with Rural Coffee Caravan (©NubNews)

To learn more about the Friends of Shotley Library contact the chair Sharon Kennedy: [email protected] or [email protected].

Contact Tom about Suffolk Libraries: [email protected]