Its remote library was established in 2005 as part of the Guille-Alles’ commitment to making its services accessible to the whole community, including those who find it difficult to travel into Town.
Originally based at Styx, it has since found a permanent home at St Saviour’s Community Centre, where it continues to thrive today.
‘We have a selection of books for children and adults, as well as jigsaws, and it’s also a place for people to come in and have a chat and tea and coffee,’ said Jackie Burgess, the library’s community and wellbeing lead.
‘Reaching 20 years is a remarkable milestone for Western Community Library. Like all community libraries, it’s named so because that’s exactly what it’s all about – community. It was set up to bring books and other library services closer to islanders who depend on them, and 20 years on it still excels in doing just that.
‘This is our celebration for 20 years as a thank you to our volunteers and we hope to continue for another 20.’
The community library is run by volunteers and is open every Tuesday from 2pm until 4pm, and Wednesday from 10am until 12pm.
‘We have a lot of people who come to the library and decide to stay as volunteers,’ said Mrs Burgess.
‘They run our Rhyme Time for families too, which can be very busy.’
One of the volunteers who has kept the Western Community Library running for 20 years was among those celebrating the anniversary.
Jill Stephenson has been volunteering with the western library since it started at the Styx Centre.
‘We used to put the books all out on tables and they weren’t organised alphabetically,’ said Mrs Stephenson.
‘It’s much easier now.’
She said the biggest change was the introduction of a computer system in 2013.
‘Before that we had to write everything down on a piece of paper, the book title, people’s names and a cross or tick next to it on return,’ she said.
Mrs Stephenson said that the library was not just a place that benefitted readers but was also a social hub.
‘I enjoy coming to the library, and, as someone who now lives alone, it is a good place to meet people,’ she said.
‘I have met people who I wouldn’t have met if I hadn’t volunteered here.’
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