Volunteers at a community library are appealing for help to secure a future beyond 2014.

The South Chingford Community Library (SCCL), based at the former Waltham Forest Direct Shop in Chingford Mount Road, is run by up to 80 unpaid volunteers and relies on community ward funds to pay for projects.

Opened in April 2012, the library was founded when the council closed South Chingford library in Hall Lane in 2011.

More than 700 residents have signed up as members but despite claims of a growing interest, the independent library is facing a cash crisis.

For the past two years, the library has received money from Endlebury, Valley and Larkswood ward forums to help it offer a wider range of projects.

But money cannot be allocated from wards to cover operational costs.  

Treasurer Susan Brown, 56, volunteers for 15 hours a week.

She said: "We have £2,000 in the bank. Come 2015 we won't be able to run the library unless we get some more money which means we could close down."

Volunteer Stuart Manning, of Hampton Road in Chingford, says the library is a vital service for the community. 

He added: "The SCCL has shown in the 18 months of its existence that a library service is needed in the community.

“We have a membership list of over 700 and have many regular visitors.

"What we need now is funding to carry on providing those services, whether this be from community funds, private sponsors or corporate bodies."

The library has applied unsuccessfully to Comic Relief and the Big Lottery Fund.

A small amount of income is generated from membership fees costing £1 and the sale of duplicated donated books.

To make a donation or sponsor the library, please email southchingfordlibrary@gmail.com