Friends of Wool Library

The Friends of Wool Library is a UK-based nonprofit organisation registered with the Charities Commission under the charity number 1173556. The organisation was formally registered as a charity in 2017[4].

Purpose

The primary role of the Friends of Wool Library is to support the operation of the Wool Community Library, which serves the local population in Wool, Dorset, and surrounding areas. The community library came into being in January 2013 after Dorset County Council handed over its management to local community control[5].

Operations

The Friends of Wool Library is responsible for managing all operating costs of the library. They have agreed to maintain the same level of service as previously provided by the council, including operating hours, fees, and charges. The library also benefits from a rolling agreement with Dorset County Council (DCC) for infrastructure support and stability. Additional funding is secured through subscriptions from Friends, fundraising activities, and grants from local charitable bodies[5].

Volunteer Engagement

The library is primarily run by a team of volunteers. Approximately 35 volunteers contribute to its daily operations, with most sessions manned by three volunteers. The volunteers are predominantly over 60 years of age, highlighting the strong community involvement. Beyond regular opening hours, out-of-hours teams assist with administrative tasks[5].

Collaboration

The Friends of Wool Library shares its premises with Wool Parish Council, which covers costs such as lease, heating, and lighting. This collaborative arrangement highlights the cooperative nature of community-led projects like the Wool Community Library[5].

[1] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5085199/charity-overview [2] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5085199/contact-information [3] https://thewoollibrary.uk [4] https://woolcommunitylibrary.org/friends-of-wool-library/ [5] https://www.gov.uk/government/case-studies/community-library-wool-dorset