Welcome to Ratby Library
Ratby Community Library
Welcomes You
Welcome to Ratby Library side view of building
Ratby Community Library
Welcomes You

Any queries please ring during opening times. 0116 239 3157

Monday/Friday 10am - 12.30pm and Monday to Friday 2 - 4.30 pm. We are open Saturday 9am to 12midday. Thank you to Dr Luke Evans for his surprise visit. See below.

April 2023 Opening Times

Here are our current opening times for regular library sessions. During these times you can checkout and return books, access […]

Bingo Dates For the Diary

Bingo is here again! Next date is Wed 10th November.  Starting time is 7.30 pm     Date to follow […]

How do I renew my books and other items?

You can renew your loans online if you wish on the Leicestershire County Council website.

E-books, E-audiobooks, E-magazines and E-newspapers.

Leicestershire libraries offer a wide range of resources available to download onto your smartphone, Mac, PC, laptop, tablet or e-reader. Please go to our website to get more information on how to use this service www.leicestershire.gov.uk/libraries

Our Beginning

How we founded the community library for our village

We started life as the Ratby Library Group, formed in September 2014 when it became apparent that cuts in expenditure, forced upon Leicestershire County Council by the Government through swingeing cuts to its local government grant, meant some uncomfortable choices were having to be considered. With libraries being considered a ‘soft’ target compared to more critical front-line services, a group was formed to examine options that would keep our library ‘alive’. A 10-year lease on the property is owned by the Ratby Library & Community Group, a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, registered with the Charity Commission (Reg. No. 1164252) and we aim to ensure it remains community managed and operated.

We do hope the residents of Ratby and surrounding areas come and visit the cafe and library as doing so supports us. Over 70% of those who responded to our questionnaire felt that the community library project was worthy of support so that we can have, and develop further into the future, this important village amenity. We look forward to seeing you all soon!

Give Us A Helping Hand By Volunteering

The Charity's Trustees

Our Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall strategic direction and control of the Ratby Library and Community Group. Our trustees play an essential role in ensuring that the charity runs smoothly, all contributing their time as volunteers. We meet on a monthly basis to discuss strategy and policy if you have any queries please contact us.
Ken Hunnybun

Ken Hunnybun

Trustee
Having worked in the Youth Service with experience of managing volunteers. He is committed to developing the library building as a community resource while maintaining the library for Ratby residents.
Avril Hunnybun

Avril Hunnybun

Trustee
Having lived in the village since 1983 and a regular library user, I am committed in working to keep the library and cafe as a going concern, both being an important part of the life in the village.
Debbie Huxtable

Debbie Huxtable

Trustee Treasurer
Debbie offers the board her experience and knowledge of teaching as a Head Mistress.
Maurice Loft

Maurice Loft

Chair of Trustees
A fairly new resident of Ratby Mo brings enthusiasm, imagination and energy to Ratby library as the Chair Of Trustees and Volunteer Coordinator.
Joan Burton

Joan Burton

Trustee
Joan is a well liked trustee of the library and she brings her teaching experience to the board. Her full biography will be published shortly
Robin 0'Brien

Robin 0'Brien

Trustee
Resident since 2013. Retired carpenter Robin brings hisfriendliness and creativity to help draw on the library's potential to become the vibrant hub of the village
Rosie

Rosie

Trustee
Rosie is the new social media technician.

Our Supporters

Thank you to all our valued supporters for helping us to continue shaping Ratby Community Library's future in the village.