ABOUT US THEN...

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Did you know Professor J.R.R Tolkien, author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, opened Deddington Library in 1956? 

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In response to a letter thanking him for his contribution at the opening by Miss Stanley-Smith (County Librarian) on 14th December 1956,

Tolkien replied “Even making allowances for your kindness and courtesy, your letter relieved me, as I was depressed at my wretched

and inadequate performance.  Even so, I do not think it could merit any fee, and I should feel it much more suitable that I should

present a volume to the Deddington Library in memory of a pleasant occasion ...'

 

His fee, as agreed by the Libraries Board on 12th September 1956 was £2: 2: 0 with expenses allowable up to £10.00!

The copies of the original letters he sent regarding his engagement were presented to the Library Manager in 2011 and are framed on

the library wall….

 

Call in and have a look, it is a fascinating piece of history.

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AND NOW...

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Deddington Library has survived many changes and challenges since 1956, but none quite like the challenge faced in 2011

when OCC budget cuts were so severe the only options were to close libraries or reduce funding and rely on volunteer

help and community fundraising to meet the shortfall.

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Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) agreed to enable community libraries to be volunteer supported and community funded,

This became our next challenge.

 

In 2014 Deddington Parish Council led a meeting where a campaign committee was formed, and several key decisions were made,

and actions undertaken. The Friends of Deddington Library was re-formed and constituted itself as a charity on the 15th July 2015.

The aim being to seek funding support from a subscription-based membership and other fundraising activities to support the library.

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A community volunteer model was formed, and volunteers came forward who were trained to do some of the tasks

previously undertaken by library assistants, who were redeployed to other larger libraries.

Volunteers play a vital role in supporting the day to day running of the library and make a significant and very valuable contribution.

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.... DEDDINGTON LIBRARY CONTINUES TO BE COMMUNTY FUNDED

Our main way of raising funds is our annual Parish Calendar

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Deddington Library is part funded by the community through subscriptions, but there is a shortfall each year that we must meet in order to keep the library open. The sale of our Parish Calendar helps to meet this shortfall. Our very generous sponsors meet production costs for the calendar, which means that every single penny of the purchase price of the calendars goes towards keeping the library open!

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The calendar, product of hard work by the Friends of Deddington Library, particularly Bryn Williams, would not have been realised without the support of 12 local business who sponsored its creation.

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To find out more ways to help follow this link

or click on 'How You Can Help' on the top menu

 

Deddington Library is a very valuable parish asset and we greatly appreciate your support in helping us provide such a

great resource to our community.​

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