LATER this week Mitchel­dean's library starts a new life as a community-run enterprise.

From Thursday (November 1) county library cards will still be valid, while 30 local volunteers have already been training to provide a continuing library service.

Gloucestershire County Council will continue to provide technical and financial support, and there will be added services and activities such as a business club and computing classes planned for the New Year.

Andrew Maliphant, chairman of the new co-operative, said: "We have been building towards this for the past six months and more, and the sense of momentum is terrific.

"More and more local people are getting involved, and we are really looking forward to working together to keep the library open and having fun in the process!"

The library opening hours are being temporarily reduced for the first three months to allow more time for training:

It will open on Mondays from 10am-6pm, on Thursdays from 10am-4pm, on Fridays from 2pm-6pm and on Saturdays, from 10am-1pm.

Mr Maliphant added: "The firm plan is to build back up to greater opening hours in 2013, and everyone is invited to come to the library to find out more, and support us in keeping a library service going for everybody. The next volunteers' meeting is in the library from 7 pm on Wednesday November 14, and there are lots of ways people can take part – do come along."