Wales’ first “library of things” Benthyg, is looking to raise £3,500 to replace a suspended ceiling which is not fit for purpose in a semi commercial kitchen.
Cardiff Council planned to close the building before local butcher Lee Evans, bought the building and gave the library a 99-year lease.
The library, on Downton Road, is run entirely by volunteers but is only open on Saturdays from 11am to 1pm.
Benthyg, which is Welsh for borrow, allows residents to donate items or services and borrow others. More information can be found here.
Liz Finlay, 67, from Brachdy Road, Rumney, is a trustee at the library. She said: “I think the old library is perceived as a community asset and people are looking forward to it being open much more on a regular basis.”
“Once the kitchen is complete, we can do a lot more with the building.”
For instance local food businesses will be able to use the kitchen to test out their products.
The Old Library, Rumney
The café will run on food donations and local produce and residents will pay what they can afford, no matter what the meal.
Becky Harford, 37, from Rumney, is a volunteer at the library.
“We could also open during the day, so you can come and meet your friends over a cuppa and a cake. The café will run on food waste, so everyone can eat out and be part of it.”
John Harford, 64, from Church Road, Rumney said: “It would benefit the community once its open full-time. Local people who can’t afford meals will benefit the most.
“The volunteers work hard and give up hours, so it is only fair if as a community we can donate something back and I hope they get the money they need.”
Donations can be made here.
The Old Library
