10 Derby community libraries to be managed by charity - full list and plans for future
Sporting Communities, a multi-award-winning social enterprise, is set to manage Derby's community libraries under a new trust.
Derby's community libraries are set to be managed by a multi award-winning social enterprise.
Sporting Communities, a community development organisation, will create a Trust to operate the city’s non statutory library service.
The organisation has agreed leases with the Council who will provide a financial support package to operate the community libraries.
Founded in 2012, Sporting Communities is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company that specialises in youth work and sports development.
It uses local parks and sports fields to help people get involved in sports and other activities.
It has run Normanton Park Community Centre and the Football Foundation Play Zone and Cruyff Court since they opened in Normanton Park in March 2024.
Other areas of expertise include bringing children and families together through play, arts, heritage and events and an award-winning training academy for young entrepreneurs.
Sporting Communities’ work has been recognised for its effectiveness in preventing youth crime and promoting social inclusion.
Councillor Sarah Chambers, Cabinet Member for Cost of Living, Equalities and Communities at Derby City Council said: “We know libraries still play a crucial role in our communities and are vital spaces for learning, creativity, and social connection.
“Libraries really are more than just libraries and on our tour of the libraries that message was loud and clear, from all the wonderful users we met.
“Closing the libraries would have been detrimental to so many people in our communities.
“Sporting Communities has a record of success in delivering projects and I’m excited we have identified a partner with strong credentials in community development to help us ensure a sustainable future for these invaluable services.”
Council Cabinet approved plans for the city’s ten non-statutory libraries to be run by a Trust at the start of the year and a formal process to identify viable proposals was launched in March 2024.
Three organisations submitted formal bids and the Council conducted an evaluation to ensure the best possible bidder was selected.
A panel of representatives from various council services assessed the bids against a set of criteria, including financial viability and alignment with the Council’s budget.
Alongside providing traditional library services, the not-for-profit has ambitions for the community library
buildings to serve as hubs for community activities, workshops, and events.
Ben Rigby, Managing Director of Sporting Communities said: “We’re delighted to have this opportunity to manage Derby’s community libraries.
“Our vision is to make them amazing places where everyone feels welcome and safe and where people can learn and connect with their community.
“We’ve got some exciting plans to offer a range of programmes and services.”
The ten community libraries are Allestree, Allenton, Blagreaves, Chaddesden Park, Chellaston, Derwent Community Library, Mackworth, Sinfin, Spondon and Springwood (Oakwood).
Derby’s five statutory libraries (Alvaston, Normanton, Mickleover, Riverside and Local Studies) will continue to be operated by Derby City Council.