ROSE HILL’S planned new library has received a timely boost thanks to a nearby business.

Public service company Amey, based at Oxford Science Park, last night donated 500 books to the project after urging employees to bring in their favourite novels.

The books were given to the Rose Hill Read/Swap Library, which will open its doors twice a week at the community centre in The Oval from January 18.

Another 500 donated books will be sold to raise money for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award foundation.

Amey’s assistant estimator Ken Hutt said: “It was a great success, and I am extremely grateful to everyone who contributed. As a large organisation and local employer within Oxford it is important to continually support and engage with the local communities in which we work.”

The library recently received £5,000 from Oxfordshire County Council and £4,000 from Oxford City Council.

Volunteers will run the facility one morning and one afternoon a week in a bid to provide a friendly social environment where people can relax and meet.

Volunteers are already sorting out donated books and are designing the layout of the new library.

However, organisers are still looking for more helpers to take on the day-to-day running of the library.

They are appealing for anyone who could set up a website for the project, write letters to seek funds and produce a quarterly newsletter.

The library also needs a carpenter to put up shelves and install lockable doors.

Organiser and Thames View Road resident Ruth Wilkinson, a Liberal Democrat councillor for Headington, said: “We’re so excited about this donation – another 500 books will give our library a big boost.

“We are very grateful for this fantastic gift, and everyone on the estate will be thrilled.

“Rose Hill people will soon have a place to go to on the estate for a warm welcome, a cup of tea or coffee, and the opportunity to look at and take away stuff to read.”

Donations of comics and magazines for children, storage bins and laptops are also required.

Cash donations should be made payable to Rose Hill Read/Swap Library, and addressed to The Treasurer, Rose Hill Read/Swap Library, c/o Rose Hill Community Centre, The Oval, Rose Hill, Oxford, OX4 4UY.

Anybody interested in helping at the library should call Mrs Wilkinson on 01865 452579 or Stephen Richardson on 01865 712880.

dhearn@oxfordmail.co.uk