The Friends of Frome Library have brought daily newspapers back to the library, after they were cut last year due to Somerset Council budget savings.
The papers have been secured in the library until early 2026, following a fundraiser held by the Friends, which raised £326.92. Some of the funds came from an avid library user, aged five, who sold ice lollies in her neighbour’s garden during the Hidden Gardens trail in the summer.
A member of the Friends, Kerry Meech, said, “With isolation and loneliness increasing, the newspapers provided an important, yet sadly overlooked and underestimated, focal point for social interactions, particularly for older visitors to the library, who would pop in every day to gather and discuss the news.”
Last year, Somerset Council cut the papers from the library to further promote the council’s e-newspaper offer and save money. The e-newspaper service was implemented during the Covid pandemic, enabling people to read national newspapers in an online format.
“Since reintroducing the newspapers we’ve had so many lovely comments of appreciation, and it’s great to see people returning to the library to gather and chat. Our hope is to raise enough money to continue to provide this service for the entirety of 2026 and beyond.”
The Friends group was established earlier this year to help the library deliver free events and services for the whole community to enjoy. “Be that helping to fund a free play-and-stay session for youngsters, or running a free coffee morning for the elderly,” said Kerry.
“The library doesn’t receive any funding to support these services, so we are filling the gap, making sure that the library remains an important, safe, free space for the town.”
The Friends’ next fundraiser is a special Halloween quiz at Palmer Street Bottle Shop on Thursday 30th October from 8pm. The quiz costs £2 per person and there will be a raffle.
To join in the fun, email friendsoffromelibrary@gmail.com or message @palmerstreetbottle on Instagram to reserve your table.
