Though the doors have closed on Jesmond Library today as the council cuts its funding, residents have been reassured that their community bus service will continue through to at least the end of the year despite the closure.

Passengers feared the service would stop but plans have been announced to take passengers to Byker library instead.

“It’s a boost for us, ”one passenger told JesmondLocal. “Without it, we have to rely on taxis as other transport isn’t as reliable.”

Ground floor plan of Jesmond Library

The community bus service runs every fourth Tuesday of the month, bringing passengers from various accommodation across Jesmond and Sandyford. Residents pay £1 which covers the cost of the refreshments provided by Jesmond Library.

Another passenger on the bus at the end of June told JesmondLocal that “we enjoy the social aspect too. It gives us a chance to meet up, have a coffee and catch up on the shopping.

“Winter is when it gets difficult,” they continued. “Taxis won’t come down Jesmond Vale and supermarkets won’t deliver groceries because they will get stuck. We can’t get out because of the ice; you take one step forward and you slip.”

First floor plan of Jesmond Library

Labour Councillor Felicity Mendelson added that the community bus service will continue until December 2013 with the plans of using Jesmond Library once it reopens under control of Friends of Jesmond Library, a community organisation formed to take control of the library after Newcastle City Council announced plans to close several local libraries in their budget cuts. Jesmond Library closed on Saturday June 29th  and expected to reopen in early September.

For more information, visit Friends of Jesmond Library on Facebook, Twitter or by email  friendsofjesmondlibrary@mail.com.

Alternatively, visit Newcastle City Council’s website for information on where to return items if borrowed from Jesmond Library.