Volunteers who ensured the future of a local library have been recognised by The King.

Boldon and Cleadon Community Library was saved by volunteers in 2018 as it faced closure, who run the library in Boker Lane as a charity.

Boldon and Cleadon Community Library has been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service. | Submitted

placeholder image — Boldon and Cleadon Community Library has been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service. | Submitted

In recognition of their dedication, they’ve been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service for 2025, which is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE.

To ensure the future of their local library, the volunteers worked closely with South Tyneside Council to set up the new charity, and to support the ongoing provision of the service in the area.

Today, the Library is supported by more than 50 volunteers, who help cover opening hours, organise and support events, as well as raising approx. £30,000 per annum to cover running costs.

The Library is one of 232 local charities, across the country, to receive the prestigious award this year, which recognises volunteers who make a fantastic contribution to their local communities.

The award was created in 2002 to celebrate Her Late Majesty The Queen’s Golden Jubilee and was continued following the accession of His Majesty The King, with this year’s recipients announced on his birthday, November 14.

Representatives of Boldon and Cleadon Community Library will receive the award crystal and certificate, from His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear, Ms Lucy Winskell, in the coming months.

In addition, two volunteers from the library, will attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in May or June 2026, along with other recipients of this year’s award.

In the interim some of the volunteers got together on the 14th to celebrate and further celebrations are planned in the new year.

Gail Barkel, Chair of Trustees said: “I am delighted that the work of our volunteers has been recognised. Since the charity was set up in 2018, to ensure the future of the library, our volunteers have worked tirelessly to, not only maintain, but enhance the services provided.

“The Kings Award for Voluntary Service pays tribute to the hard work and commitment of our volunteers in serving the local community.”