From Janet Kipling, Exeter 383654, May 09, 2008

Okehampton Library has launched a new Friends Group, which will give keen library users the opportunity to become more closely involved.

Group members will get a say in issues relating to the future of the library and will support a range of events and activities, helping with publicity and sales of tickets and acting as hosts and looking after guests at events.

There will also be opportunities for fundraising, organising events such as coffee mornings, book sales and quizzes.

Executive Member for Culture, Councillor Sheila Hobden, said: "Many of our libraries have active Friends Groups and they not only provide wonderful support to our library staff but are an excellent social network for library users."

Okehampton Councillor Christine Marsh said: "It is a wonderful opportunity for more involvement and ownership of our library."

The launch meeting will be on Friday May 30^th at 2pm in the library. Information leaflets with details and a section for people to fill in if they wish to offer support, are available in the library.