On Saturday 3 November Haddenham Library officially became a community library as part of Bucks County Council's policy to involve local volunteers in the running and management of some libraries.
The event was organised by Haddenham Community Library, a registered charity and company limited by guarantee. After John Bercow, local MP and Speaker of the House of Commons, had declared 'Order, Order', Steve Sharp on behalf of HCL welcomed some 70+ members of the local community with orange juice and Bucks Fizz.
The audience included representatives of organisations giving sponsorship and support to the library. Prominent among these were Simon Vickers of Rectory Homes, Chris Hawkins of Haddenham Garden Centre (who also provided a display of plants) and Chris Young on behalf of Haddenham Beer Festival Trust. Haddenham Fete, Haddenham Village Society, Purple Frog graphics (who produced the new library logo and signage) and Haddenham Rotary Club were also represented.
Bruce Alexander, local historian and actor famous as Supt Mullett in A Touch of Frost, read a poem which spoke eloquently of the way in which libraries can open our minds to the wider world of ideas. Marion Clayton, Chairman of the County Council welcomed the developments and praised the hard work of the Trustees and supporters in achieving the new partnership between the County Council and the local community, including Cuddington, Chearsley, Dinton and Stone. These sentiments were echoed by Margaret Aston in her roles as Chairman of the Parish Council and local County Council. She said she expected the Parish Council to confirm its financial support for the library in its future budgets.
Steve Sharp explained the way in which volunteers would be supporting the library staff after receiving training in library procedures. He hoped that even more volunteers would come forward and that more organisations and companies would offer financial support to secure the library's future. Tributes were paid to the service offered by existing and past staff. The new manager, Emma Barrett, and her assistant David Morgan were introduced.
Finally, John Bercow MP, who had supported the library group in discussions with the County Council, congratulated the local community in ensuring that Haddenham library would continue to flourish.
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