TWO British residents in the Limousin are celebrating the opening of their new library – which they hope will double up as an information and advice drop-in centre for expats in the area.

Rodney Sabine and Janet McGenn identified a need for English-language books in the small 5,000-population town of La Souterraine in the Creuse and have been busy stocking up with a range of fiction and non-fiction.

They want the Saint Jean English Library, which opened on January 7, to cater not just to British residents in the region but also to students who are learning the language and anyone else with an interest in English.

“This is the friendly library,” said Janet. “We offer coffee, cake and a chance to meet with friends.”

Rodney added: “We hope that the library will act as an information centre for existing and new expats in the area. We hope to be able to answer questions and locate services. If we can’t help, we’ll find someone who can.”

The library is open every Thursday and Saturday morning between 9.00 and 13.00 to coincide with the town’s market days.

It is located just below the Porte Saint Jean in La Souterraine, between the hotel and the newsagent.

Annual membership is €10 for individuals, €15 for families and €7 for students.

To contact the library, email stjeanbiblio@yahoo.com