A GROUP hoping to take over the management of Mitcheldean's library is looking for ideas to extend the use of the building.

Money on offer from the County Council will allow the running costs to be covered over the next four years.

However the group says further uses of the library space in addition to book borrowing will need to be developed in order to secure the library's long-term future.

Ideas so far include:

•Information exchange for local jobs.

•Commercial display space in the entrance hall.

•Customised main space, for uses additional to book borrowing.

•Use of offices for confidential meetings.

•Building opening at different hours.

"The library offers a prime service to local people," says spokesman parish councillor Andrew Maliphant.

"But the building is also in a prime easy-access location in the middle of the village, with free parking. We would be delighted if anyone with ideas interested in using the library would get in touch with us."

There are currently some 30 members of the local action group, but they say more volunteers are always welcome, particularly for things like helping with publicity, advice on financial management and researching different options (including costs) for the building's use.

The group meets in Mitcheldean library every Thursday at 7 p.m., and everyone is welcome to come along.