SUPPORTERS of a Wirral library have celebrated raising thousands of pounds for the purchase of new equipment.

The Friends of Bebington Central Library was formed in 2011 and have boosted funds by £5,500 from membership fees, events, donations and community grants.

It has enabled the spending of £4,050 on equipment including a book display unit for the Children's Library, specialist audio visual equipment installed in the Exhibition Room for state-of-the-art presentations and interactive lectures and talks.

It's latest purchase, a gondola display unit to house the Library's DVD hire stock was celebrated with an open coffee morning at the library. 

Bromborough councillor Christina Muspratt and Cllr Chris Meaden, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, attended the ceremony to cut the ribbon and launch the gondola.

Cllr Muspratt said: "I am a personal supporter of our valuable library service and especially the exciting and creative events run by the children's library involving youngsters and their parents."

Cllr Meaden added: "I am particularly thankful that, despite all the spending cuts and austerity measures that Wirral has had to implement, we have been able to maintain a vibrant library service and have not closed any of our libraries."

The Friends aim to organise four major events each year. The next is an illustrated talk at the library entitled The Mountains and Culture of Nepal, by inveterate trekker, Charlie Bartlett on Thursday, September 5 at 6.30pm. Tickets, £3, on sale at the library.