People in Rawdon are being asked to attend an urgent public meeting to help save their library from the axe.

The library, which was earmarked for closure by Leeds City Council, has been given a stay of execution for a year.

But campaigners who fought to keep it open are warning that it will close next year unless more people use it.

The Friends of Rawdon Library are holding an urgent public meeting at 11am in Trinity Church Hall, Rawdon on Saturday, July 16 to give residents the latest news and discuss how the community can help keep the library open.

There will be a chance for people to ask questions and make suggestions.

Rawdon residents have already shown their strong commitment to retaining the library. A petition with 600 signatures opposing the closure was presented to the council. Public interest was also demonstrated by the strong attendance at two open meetings at the library. Since then a small steering group has been working with council staff and the outcome of these discussions will be presented at Saturday’s meeting.

June Longley, for the Friends of Rawdon Library, said: “This meeting is vital if we are to secure and develop the library. Everyone who has views about the library and cares about its future is urged to attend.”

She is also urging all local people to help keep the library open by visiting it and borrowing books.

The new opening hours, from Monday, July 18 are: Monday, 10am to 5pm; Tuesday, closed; Wednesday, 10am to 6pm; Thursday, closed; Friday 10am to 1pm; Saturday, 10am to 1pm.

The library would have closed this spring under the council's plans for a city-wide reorganisation of services.

But a battle was successfully fought to keep it open. Aireborough Civic Society is among those supporting the Friends of Rawdon Library.