A petition to save a 73-year-old library threatened with closure and extend its opening hours will be debated by elected officials.

Woodston Library, in Peterborough, is one of several community buildings the city council has considered selling to plug a black hole in its finances.

Some 764 people signed a petition to keep the establishment open and “make the library a true community hub”.

Mohammed Jamil, deputy leader of Peterborough City Council, said it was “considering all options regarding the future use of the library” and welcomed feedback from residents.

He added: “This is part of our ongoing review of the assets and we will endeavor to make a final decision in due course.”

The Woodston Library is one of 17 community buildings named in a report as “under examination” for sale by the town hall.

They also include the Eye Youth Center and Library, Dogsthorpe Community Centre, Stanground Library and the town’s Research Centre. regional swimming pool, since closed in reinforced cellular concrete (Raac) was discovered there last year.

The council has already completed land sales worth almost £6.8 million, mainly from its agricultural estate, with a further £7.94 million of land and buildings currently on offer.

The petition called for “keeping the Woodston Library open, extending current opening hours and allowing for further use by working with the local community to develop the library as a true community hub.”

It was proposed by Andy Coles, a former councilor in the area, and Jennie Storey, a longtime Woodston resident, both of whom plan to address councilors before the debate.

“We encourage local residents, local businesses, all members of the community, including children, to attend this meeting,” Ms Storey said.

“We hope to be heard and I believe we will be.”

Ms Storey said the library had “huge problems”, particularly relating to opening hours, as it is closed four days a week.

“Our argument from the beginning has been that it has been neglected, it has not been promoted and if something is not accessible, it is not usable.”

Mr Coles said the library had been left to “wither away” due to its restricted opening hours, but several volunteers had agreed to help staff it.

“We want to prove that the library is a valuable resource that the community wants to keep open,” he said.

“We hope they will say they recognize the value. With voluntary help, things can continue.”