At a Shepton Mallet Town Council meeting on Tuesday 6th August, attended by more than 60 members of the public, councillors agreed unanimously to make an annual grant of £15,000 for a five-year period, to contribute towards the development of a community hub by keeping the town's library in its existing building.

Following a review of library services by Somerset County Council in 2017, and a proposal to move the town centre library into the Mendip District Council complex, stakeholders and town councillors, led by the Friends of Shepton Mallet Library, have been campaigning to retain the library in the centre of town.

The town council was approached by the Friends of Shepton Mallet Library for financial support to contribute towards the creation of an exciting library and community hub, and after several months of discussion and deliberation, the Extraordinary Meeting was called to make a final decision.

The council was unanimous in its decision to make the financial award, being aware that there are also two local supporters making a financial contribution.

Town council chairman, Councillor Chris Inchley, stated that the council is delighted to support keeping the library in the town centre and the council wants to see the library develop into a community hub.

"Our financial commitment is a real statement that the town council is a key partner in this project," he said.

"The town council is committed to having a vibrant town centre, the library is a key facility and so attracting residents into the centre of town is paramount to regeneration of the town."

The town council has discussed the project previously in 2018 and had already made provision for the annual grant in its budget and so residents will not see a large spike in their council tax to meet the cost of this grant.

The council now passes its decision to Somerset County Council for final agreement to keep the library in the existing building.

The meeting was addressed by Lesley Rowan from the Friends of Shepton Mallet Library, and a local resident, and all were in agreement that the library is so much more than just being about books.

It is a physical space that brings people in the community together, but it also contributes to the cultural heritage of the town and surrounding area as well as enabling people to better themselves and give back to society through community activities.