THE Ledbury Library Development Group has had a successful first year. At its April AGM, chairman Nina Shields reported on the year's activities and outlined plans for the future.

Formed to act as a user group for library members, and to support the library in its key role at the heart of our community, the LLDG has had a busy year. Initially, members lobbied to keep the library open and pushed to maintain opening hours. Members were pleased to see opening hours increase again after the move to the Master's House. During the first month in its new home, the library has seen a dramatic increase in book loans together with a huge increase in new members.

The year has been successful raising donations to provide additional books and support the digitising project to protect historic records of local papers. A total of £1775 has been given to the library. The LLDG members are particularly pleased to have been able to provide additional children's books, additional audio books and a range of history of art books. In addition the group has held various events during the year, with a fascinating talk about the book world given by Lindsey Jackson of Ledbury Books and Maps. There followed talks by local authors Suzanne Hill and Paul Costello and the autumn saw a quiz night at the Feathers - something which the group aims to make an annual event. Future plans for various author events are in hand for the forthcoming year and beyond, including Quentin Letts in the new year, and Chris Beardshaw in February 2018.

Nina remarked: "This has been a fantastic first year, and we are grateful to all our supporters. Thanks to the generosity of the Eager family and of all the book donors, the LLDG continue to sell second hand books in the Homend Shopping Mall. Thanks to Lizzie Clutterbuck, who designed the Library Live logo and to the Stationery Store in Bye Street, who donated the initial printing of flyers and bookmarks, we are well and truly established as part of the community to help the community."

The LLDG anticipate a continuing need to lobby to protect library services. The more members who support this the more effective it will be. Please join: contact the LLDG on ledburylibraryfriends@gmail.com or enquire at the library.