THE finishing touches are being applied to Rose Hill’s new library ahead of its official opening on Monday.

Volunteers are sorting books and putting up shelves at the Read/Swap Library, which will open its doors twice a week at the community centre in The Oval.

Children’s television presenter Floella Benjamin is cutting the ribbon at 2pm, then will read short stories to primary school pupils.

Volunteers will run the facility one morning and one afternoon a week to provide a friendly environment where people can relax over a book.

Last night, organiser and Thames View Road resident Ruth Wilkinson, a city councillor for Headington, said: “Everybody is fired up and ready for the big opening.

“We are all working very hard to get everything finished. There are about 10 volunteers really digging deep as we look to get everything finished.

“It has been a long time coming but the waiting is almost over.

“We want as many people as possible to head along to the opening on Monday.

“Free refreshments will be available, and the community can discover the new library which is now on their doorstep.”

Companies and organisations have donated cash and books to the scheme.

The latest firm to help out is Oxford publisher Raintree, based in Jordan Hill, which donated 640 non-fiction books to the library.

Managing director Miles Stevens-Hoare said: “We are delighted to support this local community initiative “Our aim is to create books that inspire young readers and help them enjoy reading while they find out more about the world around them. That’s what we hope these books will help the children and young people of Rose Hill to do.”

Mrs Wilkinson added: “It will really make a difference to the services we can offer.”

Donations are still being collected – see panel.