Rhoose Community Library Marks Ten Years as Volunteer‑Run Community Hub

Rhoose Community Library is preparing to celebrate a decade as a volunteer‑run charity, marking ten years since residents stepped in to save the service from closure.

The library, now a well‑established community hub with an adjoining activity centre, will host an anniversary event on Saturday 5 September from 12 pm, bringing together volunteers, supporters and former committee members who helped secure its future.

The celebration comes ten years after the Vale of Glamorgan Council announced that several rural libraries would no longer operate as council‑run services unless local groups took them on. In response, a small committee in Rhoose formed a charity, drafted a constitution and successfully applied to run the library. In 2016, the group signed a 99‑year lease, securing the building for generations to come.

Since then, volunteers have continued to work in partnership with the Vale Council’s library service, which provides books, IT support and training. The charity says the milestone is an opportunity to recognise everyone who has contributed time, skills and commitment over the past decade.

The anniversary event will feature appearances from three well‑known local authors — Chris Lloyd, Brenda Despontin and Graham Loveluck‑Edwards, who will meet visitors, sign books and showcase their latest titles. The day will begin with a performance from Rhoose Local Vocals, setting the tone for the community celebration.

Chairman Jeffrey James, who has led the charity since its formation, said the anniversary is a chance to reflect on how far the library has come.

“Having been Chairman for ten years I still recall those early days and remember many of those who played an important part in making the library an essential community hub in Rhoose,” he said. “I hope to see many of them, as well as our current volunteers, library members and friends, on our day of celebration.”

The charity is encouraging anyone with a connection to the library — past or present — to attend the event and help mark the occasion.