CAMPAIGNERS battling to keep a library open have discovered its membership increased by 27% in two years.

Nottingham City Council plans to close Wilford Library as part of a reorganisation.

However, after objections, the council agreed to consider keeping it open if it was run by the local community.

The library was granted a stay of execution so the option could be explored.

The Wilford Library Action Group has now obtained information from the council which suggests the library is doing well, although the building has been neglected and will be expensive to repair.

Stephanie Taylor, chairman of the action group and Wilford Community Group, said: "According to figures given by the library service, in the two years to 2009, membership numbers increased by 27% and the number of active borrowers has increased by four per cent.

"The number of visits has increased by three per cent and the number of items loaned has increased by seven per cent."

Ms Taylor said the library was becoming more important because of population growth in the village and an expansion in its catchment area to include Compton Acres in West Bridgford. Ms Taylor said: "Despite this, the council has made no investment in the fabric and facilities of the library. The roof has holes in it, the wooden building is rotting, the paint is peeling and even the water boiler has not been repaired."

The minimum repairs bill would be £35,000.

"The council refuses to pay," said Ms Taylor. "The annual running cost of the library is £38,000 – ironically the same cost as just one issue of the council's Arrow magazine."

About 800 residents signed a petition that has been presented to the council.

Councillor Dave Trimble, portfolio holder for communities, said: "The library has not been treated any differently to any other. We took advice on what are the priorities [for investment]. There has not been a specific decision to not invest in Wilford Library."

The library is due to close at the end of September.

The action group is urging residents to write to: David Trimble, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Customers, Nottingham City Council, Old Market Square, Nottingham NG1 2DT or e-mail dave.trimble@nottinghamcity.gov.uk.