Somerton Community Library Trust & Somerset Council
Somerton Community Library is run as a community partnership between The Somerton Library Trust (SLT) and Somerset Council (SC).
It is one of over 140 public libraries linked through LibrariesWest, a partnership of seven library services in the southwest of England. This network includes static and mobile libraries, and customers can use their library card at any of these locations to borrow, return, and reserve items. The LibrariesWest partnership aims to deliver and demonstrate value for money by sharing services and resources, and to innovate by applying technology and developing new services
SLT is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) based on a Foundation Structure.
The Trust’s Object is:
The advancement of education for the public benefit by supporting the operation and maintenance of a public library in Somerton for the benefit of local residents.
The building is leased to the Trust by Somerton Town Council. Somerset Council is responsible for delivering the ‘library service’ – books, talking books, PC access and Wi-Fi. In addition to providing a ‘library service’, the Library hosts a number of community activities and organisations.
The Trust pays SC for the services of professional librarians and it recruits and manages volunteers to support the librarian. The Library cannot operate without the support of these volunteers.
Although The Trust receives an annual financial contribution from Somerset Council and is supported by a generous grant from Somerton Town Council, it is heavily dependent on sponsorship and donations.
Prospective donors are invited to contact Martyn Smith.