A COMMUNITY library which was saved from closure last year has awarded its first university scholarship.

Rawdon Library has given £250 to Iram Cook-Monie to help in her first year studying biology at Imperial College London.

The scholarship was created by Dr John Crowther, formerly of Menston, who now lives in Philadelphia. Dr Crowther was a former pupil of Aireborough Grammar School and gained his doctorate in maths at Leeds University.

The scholarship is open to Rawdon students at Benton Park School, who are studying for one of the sciences or for a maths degree. Now members of the current sixth form are being invited to apply at the library over the coming months.

Writing in the library’s newsletter, Iram said she had to write a 1,000 word essay describing why she should be considered for the award, which also involved some voluntary work.

She added: “I was extremely pleased with the nature of voluntary work. I would be visiting primary schools to encourage the older children about the value of science and libraries as well as visiting my former sixth form to let my former peers know about the scholarship and offer a few helpful tips about applying to university.”

The Library was officially opened just over a year ago after a long battle to save it from closure.

Pudsey, Horsforth and Aireborough MP Stuart Andrew joined the Friends of Rawdon Community Library, members of Rawdon Parish Council and other well-wishers at the event.

The Friends group was formed after Leeds City Council announced the proposed closure of the Library in January 2011.

A petition of more than 600 names was presented to the council and volunteers were given a year to prove they could sustain the library.

In August, a lease was signed for the transfer of the library to the community.