By Isle of Wight Observer
Shanklin Community Library continues to flourish at the heart of the town, after leaving its Victoria Avenue home and relocating to a purpose-built facility in Falcon Cross Road. Library co-ordinator, Helen Merritt, and a dedicated team of volunteers deliver a range of services four days a week.
Helen (reading Queen’s Gambit by Elizabeth Fremantle) said: “Every day is different, with regular users popping in alongside visitors asking for information, and we’re always receptive to developing and promoting new projects such as this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. This is a great way to encourage children to love reading, along with getting the family involved.”
More than 75 local children took part in the challenge, including seven-year-old Rosie Caudwell, who has been coming to Shanklin Library since she was about three years old, and loves taking lots of books home to enjoy. Rosie was presented with her winner’s medal, and is looking forward to reading some new Daisy Meadows and Enid Blyton books.
Library regular, Ethel Chance (reading The Brave Daughters by Mary Wood), added: “I’ve been using the library for over 30 years and, in addition to great books, the team are always on hand for a chat, a cuppa, and some biscuits!” Bay resident, Beryl Wells (reading Peter May’s The Runner) said: “The staff are wonderful and have books that other libraries don’t have.”
The library has a vibrant children’s section, computer and photocopying facilities, jigsaws and puzzles to borrow, and a range of groups that people can join. During Covid, volunteers also organised a delivery rota for vulnerable readers.
Shanklin resident, Sara Kerr (reading Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day by Winifred Watson) concluded: “Through the library, I’m part of a readers’ group which meets monthly to discuss what we are reading, as well as eat cake, and we are very lucky to have such a quality resource in such a convenient location.”
