RICHMOND MP Rishi Sunak was among more than 80 supporters who turned out for the launch of a new friends group to help open and maintain Bedale's Community Library.
Volunteers have rallied round to launch the new community facility following a decision by North Yorkshire County Council to transfer a number of local libraries to groups of volunteers.
The Friends of Bedale Community Library has been formed to raise money to keep the library going in the future.
Speaking at the launch event in Bedale Hall, Mr Sunak recalled childhood memories of his local library and how it help inspire in him a life-long love of books.
"I cannot speak more highly of the way Bedale has risen to this challenge and that more than 100 volunteers have come forward to offer their practical support for the new library. And tonight we have a tremendous turnout of people who also want to help as Friends.
"It is an incredible testament to the strength of this community and your belief in the power of books."
Mr Sunak thanked the local councils who helped with funding including Bedale Town Council, Aiskew Parish Council and Crakehall Parish Council.
His thanks were echoed by Friends' Chair Susan Perkins who added: “We are delighted that so many local people attended the launch of this fund-raising group. We now have 150 ‘Friends’ as well as the support of several local businesses. Their donations will contribute towards the running costs for the first year.
"From 1 April, the library will be run by volunteers. We hope that people might drop in and meet the generous people who are giving up their time to ensure that Bedale and the surrounding villages retain a much valued local service”.
At the evening event, the renowned Yorkshire author and actor Alan Bennett sent a special message of support to the Friends saying that libraries helped to shape his life and writer David Young spoke about his latest book, Stasi Child.
And Nobby Dimon of North Country Theatre performed a series of readings from Bedale’s most famous writer Robert Hird, who created a series of diaries about the town up to 1843.