Volunteers Richard Vivian, Pete Smith, Muhammad Tariq, Coordinator Joe Rollin and Brian Clarke, with some of the books already donated.
The Barnsley Community Support Centre, based at the NUM Headquarters on Huddersfield Road, is appealing for donations of books for its new community library.
The centre opened its doors in June 2013 to offer a range of advice on benefits issues, including support with appeals and representation at tribunals. Staffed entirely by volunteers it runs courses on welfare advice training, also helping people with computer skills and internet access, with the ‘Learn My Way’ course.
Regional Unite Community Coordinator, Joe Rollin explained, “we have come a long way in a short time and opening our community library is another step forward in our aim to educate. We particularly want people to learn about the history of the trade union movement. We have already received a couple of large donations to help get us started.”
There is no formal lending system, “people just turn up and we record their name, phone number and the books that they have borrowed on our record sheet. There is no need to become a member or make any payments, we just trust people to be honest,” said Joe.
The centre is open every Wednesday and Thursday from 10.00am to 3.00pm and donations can be brought to the centre, or call 01226 215557 to make arrangements.