A community-run volunteer library is finally set to open after months of planning.

Residents in Leytonstone will open the new branch at the Epicentre community centre in West Street on Saturday April 6 at 11am.

The idea was first raised in December 2011 when Waltham Forest Council shut libraries in Harrow Green, Leytonstone and South Chingford as part of measures to save £1million in two years.

However difficulties in securing a venue meant the plans initially failed to get off the ground.

But following publicity in the Waltham Forest Guardian around 70 people have now signed up as potential volunteers to help staff the branch, allowing them to push ahead with the plans.

Waltham Forest Council has also agreed to hand over 3,000 books from the old Harrow Green library, and an additional 200 have been donated by residents just in the last few weeks.

The Epicentre was formerly managed by charity O-Regen but it went into administration last year.

Housing association CBHA is currently in negotiations with the administrators to take control of the site, and organisers have been granted use of a room at the community centre for at least the next three months.

Valerie Suckling, from the library committee, said: "In the last few weeks everything has suddenly taken off. We've got the shelves, the books and the room, and are ready to go.

"We are hoping to get some computers in as well, and some of the details are still being finalised, but it is very encouraging.

"It has really helped bring the community together and it's great to have so many volunteers."

On the first day the library will open between 11am and 2pm.

Organisers hope to run it similar hours every Saturday, but are hoping to increase that and hold some evening events if the commitment of volunteers is maintained.

The opening will be marked with a ceremony attended by Leyton MP John Cryer, mayor of Waltham Forest Cllr Richard Sweden, children's activities and talks.

Call 0208 555 5248 or email roskane@btinternet.com for more information and if you would like to help at the library.