Friends of Deddington Library (FoDL) was formed in late 1997 when the village library, like many others in Oxfordshire, was threatened with a reduction in hours and resources or even closure. The Parish Council was instrumental in its inception and appointed two of its members to the group. Although there was a small reduction in hours, the village library remained open thanks to FoDL and others lobbying the County Council. The idea of a County-wide Friends organisation was suggested by FoDL and this is now in being with periodic meetings and other events.
Since 1998/99 Deddington Parish Council has donated £1,000 each year towards the purchase of books while FoDL has encouraged villagers and others to give books, audio and video tapes and jigsaws to the library. Friends have also assisted with a number of tasks within the library. As a result of a village millennium questionnaire the PC set up a library feasibility Working Group which reported its concerns and recommendations to the PC in September 1999. The PC accepted the report and a copy was sent to the Head of OCC Cultural Services (responsible for library services).The report was well received, so much so that a project was agreed with FoDL to upgrade the interior of the library and provide additional facilities suggested. Jointly with Deddington Parish Council and Cherwell District Council, the Friends agreed to finanace part of this project by fund raising. The £25,000 needed was quickly pledged and by Spring 2002, the library refurbishment was completed.
The library now offers a computer suite with four terminals linked to the Internet and to a printer. An improved children's area, a meeting/project room, and a display area are also included. The working conditions for the library staff have also been improved. The lost opening hours have now been reinstated and the library now opens on Saturday mornings.
Since August 2003 there has been a programme of free, hands-on computing lessons run by local volunteers with computing expertise. The topics covered are based on the responses to a questionnaire sent to all households in the parish. The primary aim is to help complete beginners come to terms with a computer and to email and word-process, but more experienced users can also learn about spreadsheets, mail-merge etc. The programme is organised on a very informal basis and depends on the expertise and availability of our tutors, and on the interests of learners; it is co-ordinated by our librarian (01869 338391 email: deddlib@hotmail.com).
What was once a threat has become a strong partnership between the various councils and the community they serve.
Contact Geoff Todd or for further information on 01869 338532 and 338282 respectively.