The work of a community library was broadcast to Britain when the venue played host to some special guests in a live BBC Breakfast programme.

The library, in Bedale, has been run by volunteers since 2017 and has become a remarkable success story with more than 23,000 visits last year. However many libraries across the country have either closed or are under threat.

The BBC programme looked at the issues, basing reporter Jayne McCubbin in Bedale Library to talk to volunteers, trustees and users of the library including a group of children who joined in for a junk modelling session.

The library is part-funded by North Yorkshire Council, with support from the library service but it is run by more than 30 volunteers.

(Image: Contributor)

Trustee and events organiser Jenny Barrie said: “It was an amazing morning, and a real feather in the cap for Bedale Community Library. It is a thriving, supportive and welcoming place and I think the programme got that message across. It meant a very early morning for my fellow trustee Mike Evitt and I, as we had to arrive at 5am to help the BBC get everything set up and our volunteers were here from 5.45am, along with John Howe, the mayor of Bedale.

“Obviously there are many other towns who are struggling to keep their libraries and this is an ongoing problem. We hope our community library gave an idea of how it can be done. It has taken a lot of hard work by our volunteers and that continues. It is all about people and making the library a place for not only reading books, but many other things as well, ranging from computer support to filling in forms for those who find it difficult, and a community place for children and adults. We can’t thank everyone enough for all of the support.

“I think the programme also did a huge amount to show what a wonderful town Bedale is, not only our fabulous library but the community itself."

Jenny also had to find time to be interviewed live on air at 7.10am by BBC Radio York, who had heard that the BBC was coming to Bedale and wanted to join in.

Cllr Howe said: "Bedale Town Council is proud to support Bedale Community Library and will continue to do so. The recent programme on BBC Breakfast was a great opportunity to show what can be achieved by a determined and committed group of people who appreciate the importance of such a vital facility in their community and it was a credit to the trustees and volunteers to be selected as an example to others."

The library is now looking forward to hosting an evening with Rosie Page and Nick Palmerley on Thursday, October 10. They will be talking about Rosie’s dad, James Herriot author Alf Wight, and the work of Herriot Hospice Homecare. Friends of the library get free admission, and tickets are on sale at £7.50 each (to include a glass of wine/soft drink and canapés) from the library, or from Jenny Barrie on 07727 188837.