COMMUNITY library volunteers are urging more Rose Hill residents to use the free service.

The Rose Hill Read/Swap Library has been running for two and a half years every Monday at Rose Hill Community Centre, but the organisers say it is not as well used as they would like it to be.

There are between 2,000 and 3,000 books on offer at the library, including a children’s section.

Rose Hill resident Peter Wilkinson, who is treasurer and a volunteer at the library, said: “It is a bit under used.

“It is a wonderful resource for people.There is no formality. People can come in and take up to eight books. We would like to see more people dropping in.

“We are very selective. We only have high quality books. People have given us brand new books for the library.”

About eight volunteers regularly help with the running of the library and new helpers are welcome.

Volunteer Carole Smith, Rose Hill Methodist Church deacon, said: “Rose Hill Library is a great opportunity for people.

“It is a nice, relaxed and informal way of running a library. People can come in and it is not quiet or intimidating.

“It belongs to Rose Hill and is really important – literacy is such a basic skill.

“If we can encourage people to enjoy it and take advantage of it, it is a good thing.”

Mr Wilkinson said they are looking forward to Rose Hill’s new £3m community centre being built, where the library will have a permanent home.

He said: “We are currently talking with the architect about how it will fit in but it will be in the main entrance.

“So people coming to see a doctor or whatever and they have to wait, they can pick up a book and have a browse.”

The centre plans have been given the go-ahead by councillors this month and the building work could start in January 2014.

For more information on volunteering at the library call Ruth or Peter Wilkinson on 01865 452 579.