CAMPAIGNERS battling to save Bembridge Library from closure may have been thrown a lifeline by the IW Rural Community Council (RCC).
At a meeting held at the library last Tuesday, around 30 volunteers and supporters were told talks were taking place between the rural body and the IW Council, aimed at the RCC taking over the lease of the building on behalf of volunteers.
Bembridge Library Users Group (BLUG) had earlier turned down the lease due to the legal and financial responsibility it would have to take on.
The new plan would mean BLUG volunteers reporting directly to the RCC, which will take responsibility for handling the library finances.
This would include two £4,000 grants available this year, from the IW Council and Bembridge Parish Council.
The RCC’s rural services officer, Phillipa Daley, said its offer was dependent on BLUG finding the resources to run the library. She said: "The long-term success of this project will depend on the hard work and commitment of volunteers.
"We know how important it is to maintain services in rural areas and hope our involvement will help to establish a community-run library in Bembridge.
Acting chairman of BLUG, Peter Pickworth, said the proposal from the RCC was a valuable step forward.
He said: "We were very concerned despite all our efforts this year, we would have to walk away and allow the library to close."
"This proposal deals with a number of issues at a stroke, including insurance and employment legislation issues, which up until now has been a a major sticking point," he added.
"We are not out of the woods yet as we have to pay for utility services, maintenance and running costs of £12,000 a year.
"Providing RCC takes on the lease, we now need to get people on board to begin the process of fundraising, without which the library will close."