THE second of two public meetings to discuss the future of Wiveliscombe’s public library is being organised by the town council later this month.

Concern has been mounting as the town council nears the end in 2026 of an agreement where Somerset Council provides financial support for library staff and rent of its premises.

A town council spokesperson said: “The lease, which is held by the area partnership, is also due to end round about this time.

“The question for the town council is whether they seek to renew the arrangements.

“Some on the town council think ‘yes, absolutely’.

“Others are more sceptical and want money spent elsewhere.

“The town council wants to know what the rest of us think, thus the meetings.

“Please attend to let them hear your views.”

Wiveliscombe has twice previously faced the threat of losing its library, once in 2010 when the Friends of Wiveliscombe Library (FOWL) was formed and saved it.

Then, in 2018 it was again under threat, when it was kept open by forming a Wiveliscombe Community Library Partnership after a huge campaign by local people.

A spokesperson for FOWL said: “It is heavily used, especially by children, book clubs, people who do not have home access to a computer, students, people who want a sit down while out shopping, and everybody else who just wants to read a book.

“It is a vital part of the town’s infrastructure, and local shops report how many people shop with them after a visit to the library.”

The first of the town council’s public meetings was held in Wiveliscombe Community Centre on Saturday (March 1) immediately after a public protest took place against Somerset Council’s proposals to end free car parking, and the second will be at 7 pm on Tuesday, March 18.