Who We Are
We are a group from the Long Buckby community established to retain the village Library provision and develop a flourishing Social and Educational Hub. As many of you know there had been a policy of library closures across Northamptonshire to cut costs and Long Buckby was on the list. We came together back in 2018 and have worked with Northamptonshire County Council [now WNC] and Long Buckby Parish Council to prevent Long Buckby Library disappearing.
We have a Board of trustees, gained charity status and formulated the policies and guidance required to operate as a Community Managed Library and expanding Social Hub. Upon signing a Service Level Agreement in October 2020 the reins were formally handed over to us so that we can keep this valuable community resource alive and thriving. We engage with local businesses and community individuals to develop new ideas for the Hub as we grow.
We are supported by a great team of volunteers day to day in the Library and at Board level.
We are particularly grateful to Long Buckby Parish Council for their financial support in meeting our annual rental costs.
We are very lucky to have Sam Holst as our part-time Manager who manages the Library day to day, looks after our volunteers and adds valued support to the Board.
Our Aims
- To keep a library for book borrowing, information and other services
- To offer a range of complementary activities and events reflecting the diverse needs of our immediate and wider communities
- To provide a cultural and educational base available for all
- To provide a focal point with an inclusive and accessible space for people to come together
These aims will enable the continuation and expansion of our current well-used and valued services and activities, which would otherwise cease.
We are here to retain a vibrant social, cultural and educational hub in the heart of our community to benefit everyone.
Our Manager
Sam Holst
Sam is an accomplished educator, arts leader and community advocate. Graduating with honours from the University of Northampton in Education (Early Years) and holding Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), she taught in schools across Coventry and Rugby for over 15 years. Sam has completed extensive training in safeguarding, autism awareness, SEND support, and behaviour management, excelling in supporting children with additional needs and collaborating with families and social services. In addition to her work in schools, Sam co-founded ASH Stage Productions, Rugby and Daventry’s largest youth theatre company. ASH continues to provide musical theatre and performing arts training to over 200 young people every week, with Sam teaching and leading a small team to produce around eight shows each year. This work has earned her recognition, winning two business awards: the Cultural Arts Award and Educator of the Year. Sam is proud to continue working with ASH and remains involved in its development, supporting young people’s creativity and personal growth.
Outside of her professional life, Sam is a busy mum and wife, valuing family time with her husband, 10 year old daughter, and their two dogs. She enjoys reading and has a particular love for theatre and is often found at performances or curled up with a good book.
Now embracing a new challenge as Manager of Long Buckby Library & Hub, Sam leads a dedicated team of volunteers, collaborates with trustees and contributes to strategic planning. Under her leadership the library continues to develop as a thriving community resource, an essential hub for education, inclusion, and connection, earning widespread recognition for its impact.