A UNIQUE volunteer-led library has been officially opened by the mayor of Barnsley.

Darton Community Volunteer Library celebrated its official opening last Thursday and will be solely run by 12 dedicated volunteers, independently of the council’s statutory library offer.

Based at The Darton Centre, on Huddersfield Road, the library aims to foster an inclusive space for reading and social connection.

The official opening was performed by the mayor Dave Leech, alongside mayoress, Alison Leech.

Funding was secured from Barnsley Council’s Love Where You Live programme, as part of a borough-wide package of community enhancement projects.

The volunteer library comes as part of a £3.5m investment in local places, supporting anything from environmental improvements to grassroots ideas shaped by residents themselves.

Coun Leech said: “The community library is open to everyone.

“Whether it be kids from school, or local people from the area.

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“All of the books are donated which is fantastic.

“It’s transformative for people to be able to pick up a real book and read.

Volunteer, Michelle Alderson, added: “When I saw openings for volunteers I thought it was really welcome and needed.

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“It’s amazing not just as a volunteer, but a library user, myself.

“It’s really been a team effort and it was lovely meeting like-minded people and working together.

“I’m really excited to volunteer and to watch the library grow.”