On Sunday 25th June 2023, Denton West End Community Library celebrated 10 years of being community-owned and run. Threatened with closure in 2012, the library was saved by local people with a passion for where they live.

They used their skills, contacts and connections to survey the community, generate support, raise money and lobby the local authority to ultimately bring this vital resource into community ownership for the benefit of local people.

Although it continues to provide a complete library and community service, it has been transformed into a vibrant place where people of all ages and abilities can come together in a safe, friendly and accessible environment to join in a variety of activities. It also provides its many volunteers and visitors with a true sense of belonging.

They have built up strong links with the local community centre, churches, two primary local schools, the local football and cricket clubs and other community groups

The library now hosts coffee mornings, IT workshops, computer lessons, craft activities, story time and knit-and-natter and Mummy Meet sessions. There’s also yoga, choir, quiz nights, fashion shows, beetle drives, cinema club, homework club, Boogie Beats dance, Street Dance, singing for children and even a self-defence class.

There’s a real buzz about the place and it’s continuously evolving, clearly demonstrating what can be achieved when a community comes together.

At Forever Manchester’s Annual Birthday Party on Friday 10th February 2023, Denton West End Community Library were winners of the Outstanding Community Contribution Award given in recognition of a person or a group of local people who have supported their community over a long period of time, delivering sustained and meaningful impact for many, doing something extraordinary.

In 2023, we caught up with June as part of our Forever Mancuians Podcast series.

It is always worth remembering that, if you support Forever Manchester, you support all this.

The ability of local community groups and organisations to best help people in their community remains dependant on maintaining support for them.

To find out more about how you can get support Forever Manchester please email us at marketing@forevermanchester.com or telephone on 0161 214 0940.

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Date added: 11th December 2022
Last updated: 10th August 2023