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Freshwater Library opened 70 years ago, and was the first purpose built library on the Isle of Wight. In 1904 book collections were sent in boxes from Seely Library in Newport and in turn displayed in West Wight Social Club and local Schools. The library was completed in October 1939, the year war broke out. With 4,000 books, one young borrower was so pleased to be able to touch new books! We now hold 10,000 books and over 15,000 items. To find out more click here.
One of our staff members wrote a poem for the library. Please click here.
Services available at this library:
- Books
- DVDs*
- Talking Books on CD*
- Large Print
- Reading Group
- Computer facilities
- Internet access
- Word processing
- Scanning facilities
- Printing*
- Photocopying service*
- Fax service *
- Exhibition Gallery*
- Reference Collection
- Local Studies Collection
- Tennyson Collection
- Robert Hooke Collection
- Julia Margaret Cameron Collection
- Newspapers
- Garden Refuse Sacks*
- Local walk leaflets*
- Magnifying Sheets*
- Bus pass applications
- Teenage Area
- Children’s Library
- Homework collection
- Rhyme Time every Friday 10.30 - 11.00am
Friends of Freshwater Library.
A new group, known as Friends of Freshwater Library, has been formed. Their aims are to promote, support, develop and protect the provision of library services to the West Wight. They have many ideas, and would welcome the help of new members, to represent all user groups, to encourage the community to use their local library.
Please call at the library to register your interest or for more information.
Please call at the library to register your interest or for more information.
Freshwater Help Centre
The library now accommodates the Freshwater Help Centre. For opening times please click here.
HM Revenue & Customs
On Wednesdays, 9.30-12.30, an Inland Revenue member of staff is available for Inland Revenue enquiries. Click here for their website.
CAB Outreach
General sessions on Wednesday afternoons.
Debt sessions on Friday afternoons.
Please ring 520594 for an appointment.
Debt sessions on Friday afternoons.
Please ring 520594 for an appointment.
Free Energy Meters to borrow for three weeks
Understanding energy usage helps put you in control of how much you are using, and makes it easier to see ways to reduce your overall consumption. The Electrisave is a device which attaches to your electricity meter at home and lets you monitor your usage in real time. The transmitter at the meter sends over your electricity usage which is then displayed on the unit, which you can put in a suitable place - for example the kitchen or living room.
Why not borrow one from the Library and see how much energy you could save.
Why not borrow one from the Library and see how much energy you could save.
Crossword, Puzzles or Board Games
Do you enjoy crossword, puzzles or board games? Would you like to meet regularly in Freshwater Library one morning each week to join a group of others in a variety of activities. We are meeting every Tuesday at 2pm.
Knit and Natter/Crochet and Chatter Group
Work on your latest project. Meet up with others regularly with whatever craft appeals to you, and receive help and advice if you need it. We are now meeting on every other Tuesday morning at 10 am. The next dates are the 24th April, 8th and 22nd May.
If you are interested in any of these activities just turn up.
If you are interested in any of these activities just turn up.
Events at this library
Totland Past & Present – 10th May
Share your memories of the village on a short guided walk organised by Freshwater Library and the Freshwater & Totland Archive Group. Thursday 10th May 2012 - 10am to 11.30am.
Meet at Totland Church Hall, Broadway, Totland. Isle of Wight Walking Festival Walk 88.
Meet at Totland Church Hall, Broadway, Totland. Isle of Wight Walking Festival Walk 88.
Book Signing – 12th May
![freshwater[1]03](http://www.iwight.com/living_here/libraries/images/freshwater[1]03.jpg) | Jan Toms - local author will be promoting her latest book “Isle of Wight Villains Rogues, Rascals and Reprobates” The wicked side of the Island that everyone will want to read about! Freshwater Library Saturday May 12th 11-12am. Signed copies will be available to purchase, or to borrow from the library. |
Book Chat – 15th May
Do you love reading? Are you keen to talk to other people about the books you have read, the good and the not so good? Freshwater Library has a “Book Chat” group for people like you. Meeting other group members on the third Tuesday of the month at 2pm at the library, you will be able to talk about your favourite books and those books you wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy! If you want to, you can read out your favourite passages from the books you’ve read, to inspire the others to read them too.
Reading Group for Listeners – 29th May
We have launched the Isle of Wight Libraries’ first reading group for people with
visual impairments. The books are supplied by the Calibre Audio Library and can be listened to in CD format. The reading group is free to join, and all the talking books are
visual impairments. The books are supplied by the Calibre Audio Library and can be listened to in CD format. The reading group is free to join, and all the talking books are
free to borrow. The next meeting is at 11am on 29th May, when we will be discussing “Every man for himself by Beryl Bainbridge”.
Tea & Cake – 30th May
Friends of Freshwater Library invite you for a membership drive on the lawn (or inside if wet) for tea/coffee and cake on Wednesday 30th May, 2pm-4pm.
Withdrawn Adult & Children’s Books for Sale – 30th June
Withdrawn Adult & Children’s Library Books for sale at Freshwater Library, Saturday 30th June, 9.30-12.30.
Outdoor Arts & Crafts – 15th August
Freshwater library will be holding their annual Outdoor Arts & Craft event on the lawn in front of the library on Wednesday, 15th August. Last year more than 20 arts & crafts people exhibited their work and the event drew visitors from all over the island. Application forms and further information are now available from those who wish to take part from Freshwater Library. Call at the library during opening hours or telephone 752377 or email freshwaterlibrary@iow.gov.uk. Download an application form here.
New Books
Try a new book or DVD!
Click the picture for more details and to see if the item is currently in.
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Promotions at this library
Spring into the Classics
Why not try out a classic this Spring? Freshwater Library have got a selection of new books in.
There was an Old Man
A collection of books, including his poems and books about him, to celebrate the 200th birthday of Edward Lear on 21st May.
Meet your local Health Trainers
Do you want to improve your health and well being? Don’t know where to start? Need some support and practical ideas? Your local health trainers are visit the library regularly, where they will be available for personal advice and support on your health and wellbeing.
Age Concern
As part of their programme of periodic visits to the library, there will be leaflets and a display about the services Age Concern offer. There will be an advisor available at some point during the week for information, advice, advocacy, shopping service, welfare benefits, befriending service and many more services. Confirmed dates to follow. Any queries please ask at the counter.
Information, Advice & Guidance
Are you considering returning to learning? Do you need to learn new skills to gain employment but feel unsure of your next move? For a 1-2-1 free and unbiased Advice and Guidance session with Lu Farnsworth for help with your next step, contact Freshwater Library or for further information call 527529. Click here for their website.
Sale Books
We have a selection of withdrawn stock for sale in the library.
Exhibitions
Train, Ships and Aeroplanes - May 2012
An exhibition of prints from paintings by local artist, Gary Wheeler, featured in Freshwater Library from 1st May to 30th May. Pictures available for sale.
Calling all local artists!
Looking for somewhere to exhibit your paintings or photographs? How about Freshwater Library? We have over 6,000 visitors each month, and you will only be asked to pay us a fee (10%) if you sell any of your work. Phone the library on 752377 for availability. To download an art exhibition application form click here.
A Community Archive for Freshwater and Totland
A local archive group has been set up in the West Wight, recording the history of the area, and providing a valuable resource for the local community. If you have photos, documents, maps, news, memories or articles please contact Roger on 755382, or the staff at Freshwater Library.
They are also leading a gentle stroll around the Freshwater Bay area. Meet at the Wishing Well, Freshwater Bay on Monday 14th May, 10am – 11.30am. Isle of Wight Walking Festival Walk 137. For more details call 01983 754285.
They are also leading a gentle stroll around the Freshwater Bay area. Meet at the Wishing Well, Freshwater Bay on Monday 14th May, 10am – 11.30am. Isle of Wight Walking Festival Walk 137. For more details call 01983 754285.
Courses
Family History Fun
A guided tour of some of the family history sites available on the internet, given by the Island Heritage Librarian. Cost £10.00. Booking essential. Please ask at the counter or email freshwaterlibrary.iow.gov.uk for further details.
Family History Service
There is a family history service on offer in Freshwater Library. Staff will be available for ten-minute help sessions for those knotty problems and brick walls that happen to everyone researching their family tree. There are no promises on finding all the answers but perhaps the knot can be loosened or a brick or two removed from the wall. If you are interested in this service please contact Freshwater Library
Silver Surfers
If you are over 50 and want to learn how to use the Internet and e-mail, register for a free 2 hour Silver Surfer Session at Freshwater Library. Please ask at the counter for further details.
Local Reading Groups are now reading:
West Wight Reading Group: The Cellist of Sarajevo by Steven Galloway
Jan Toms Reading Group: East of Eden by John Steinbeck
The Yarmouth WI Reading Group: Christmas at Thrush Green by Miss Read
Red Lion Reading Group: The Other Queen by Philippa Gregory
Christian Viewpoint Reading Group: Ten Commandments by J.John
Reading Group for Listeners: Every Man for Himself by Beryl Bainbridge
The Walking Reading Group: Salmon Fishing in the Yemem by Paul Torday
Hopeful Reading Group: Salmon fishing in the Yemen by Paul Torday
For more details of these groups please ask the staff at Freshwater Library.
Jan Toms Reading Group: East of Eden by John Steinbeck
The Yarmouth WI Reading Group: Christmas at Thrush Green by Miss Read
Red Lion Reading Group: The Other Queen by Philippa Gregory
Christian Viewpoint Reading Group: Ten Commandments by J.John
Reading Group for Listeners: Every Man for Himself by Beryl Bainbridge
The Walking Reading Group: Salmon Fishing in the Yemem by Paul Torday
Hopeful Reading Group: Salmon fishing in the Yemen by Paul Torday
For more details of these groups please ask the staff at Freshwater Library.
Useful Information
Service Description: Children’s and adults’ books, large print books, DVDs and talking books on CD, reference collection, newspapers, photocopying, fax service, free internet access, free computer access and a collection of books on Tennyson. Freshwater Library also has a weekly rhyme time and a gallery space for art exhibitions.
| Contact Information | |
| Department | Libraries & Information Service |
| Address | Freshwater Library 41 School Green Road Freshwater Isle of Wight PO40 9AP |
| External Phone | 01983 752377 |
| Opening Times | Monday 9.30am - 1.00pm Tuesday 9.30am - 12.30pm 1.30pm - 4.30pm Wednesday 9.30am - 12.30pm 1.30pm - 4.30pm Thursday CLOSED Friday 9.30am - 12.30pm 1.30pm - 4.30pm Saturday 9.30am - 12.30pm Sunday CLOSED |
| Contact | Click to contact service |
| Direct Contact | |
Page last updated on: 05/05/2012
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