AN army of qualified builders, plumbers, electricians and event planners is needed to get a project to resurrect Stow Hill library off the ground, organisers say.

In order to bring a micro library to the Handpost area, the existing group of volunteers need help to make their dream a reality, explained Handpost Library Association chairman Alan Roderick.

“We have various talents in our group but we are not Leonardo Da Vincis,” said Mr Roderick, who has organised a series of open mic nights at the Murenger to raise funds to restore the small building on Stow Hill.

“We are looking for plumbers, electricians and builders, anyone who can help us on our way at cost price.”

The group had its most recent meeting on Thursday night and has between 30 and 40 volunteer members, but needs more to staff the library once it gets going.

The building itself needs a lot of restoration work, previously estimated at £20,000, and the group is waiting to hear back from Newport council as to whether it will hand over the lease to volunteers.

Once open, the Handpost Library Association hope to host regular workshops, sewing circles, film clubs and to invite authors to speak at the micro library.

Last year’s open mic nights featured the brother of Manic Street Preacher’s Nicky Wire, Patrick Jones, as well as Mike Greenhough, winner of the All-Wales Comic Verse Competition, and Newport actor Dan Llewellyn-Williams.

There was also a charity auction at Belle Vue Park tea rooms which included Manics memorabilia.

In the coming months, there will be events at the Murenger on January 15, featuring John Gimblett and Julie McGowan; February 12 featuring Peter Finch and Cath Little; and March 12 featuring the Red Poets.

If you are interested in volunteering at the library or within the organising committee, call Mr Roderick on 01633 679874 or drop in to the group’s next meeting at Stow Park Church, Brynhyfryd Avenue, on January 22, at 7.15pm.

There will also be a quiz night in aid of the cause on January 16 at 7.30pm at St Mary’s Hall at the bottom of Stow Hill.