Your library can offer you more than just books
It is not a secret that libraries have always been a place to find the latest and greatest novels, but did you know there is more to it than just books?
If you did not, then Sidmouth Library staff are looking to change that, by calling on residents of all ages to come in and try its services.
Carol Pentecost, library supervisor, wants to raise the library’s profile and make sure people know the door is always open and what is available.
She said: “A lot of people do not know the different services we have on offer.
We are not reaching the people who might need us.
“It’s invaluable to the people who use it. This is why we want to raise the profile - you cannot use the service if you do not know it is there.
“Come in and use it, come in and read the paper, use the computer, come out of the cold. We welcome all.”
Libraries date back to ancient times, with the earliest collections dating back 5,000 years to Egypt. The Greeks offered one of the first examples of a public library in Alexandria – but it was only open to those with scholarly and literary qualifications.
Since 2016, Sidmouth Library has been a part of Libraries Unlimited. The charity is an independent staff and community-owned charity with a mission to bring ideas, imagination, knowledge and creativity to people’s lives and communities by re-imagining library services.
In Sidmouth, the Blackmore Drive building is occupied for weekly activities, the Citizen Advice Bureau, police surgeries, IT sessions and courses.
Users can also hire computers for free, borrow DVDs, look at old newspaper cuttings and print out documents for a nominal charge.
For the youngsters, there are weekly bounce and rhyme sessions for mums and tots and for the slightly older ones the Summer Reading and Book Track challenges.
Other social groups held at the library include a colouring club, a shared reading club and the home delivery service, which is run in conjunction with the Royal Volunteer Service (RVS) to deliver books to people in care homes.
The library also benefits from the support of a friends group, which holds fundraisers, book swaps and helps support staff by serving refreshments at events.
Since it was formed in 2015, the friends have raised funds to purchase a doorbell system, folding table, a laminator and finding expenses for crafts and refreshments.
Glyn Lewis, secretary of the friends group, said: “It is the Friend’s intention to continue to support Sidmouth Library, not only in its status as part of Libraries Unlimited South West, but also to assist and to spread the word about our wonderful library here in Sidmouth.”
Carol added: “Obviously we do books and we are about information, supporting learning and helping people.
“It’s one of these things that is for everyone, regardless of sex, colour, age - anyone can join the library.”
Opening hours:
Monday 9am to 6pm
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 9am to 5pm
Thursday 9am to 5pm
Friday 9am to 6pm
Saturday 9am to 1pm
For more information,drop in during opening hours or visit the library’s website https://www.devonlibraries.org.uk/web/arena/sidmouthlibrary.
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