THE official re-opening of Benson library was attended by about 50 people, including trustees, staff and users.

Lady Jay of Ewelme, who is patron of the Friends of Benson Library, performed the ceremony before the guests were served buck’s fizz to mark the occasion.

The library was closed for 10 days in September for a new layout to be introduced and the installation of a self-service reader, new carpets and wheeled shelving.

The work was paid for by Oxfordshire County Council following its decision to cut the library’s staff hours by half.

It is the first time in 40 years that major work has been carried out at the library.


Dave Rushton, chairman of the Friends, said: “It was nice to see people showing support for the library. It was the first social that we had done like that and it seemed to go down really well.”

The results of a Friends’ survey of library visitors is due to be released in the next fortnight.

The survey asked whether the current opening hours could be improved and about nine per cent of the regular 1,300 visitors responded.

Published 21/01/13