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Alderney Library. Org
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The Alderney Library Redevelopment Appeal |
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Transcript of the Fund-Raising Video produced for the Alderney Library January 2001. Sir Edward du Cann:- "What
do you say when you have a good book? Well, if it came from the library,
say thank you library for being there! It all started with an American lady, a Mrs. Fox-Griffith, of Pennsylvania, who in 1949 gave 1,500 books to two friends in Alderney- Mrs. Bickerton and a Mrs. Packe. Eileen Mignot- Library Committee Chairman:- "With a grant of £100 from the Alderney States, the books were brought across the Atlantic and a small library was set up. Further grants from the Carnegie United Kingdom Trust allowed it to expand and, in 1961, it moved to its present premises in the Island Hall." The 1,500 books have multiplied to over 17,500- books of all kinds, catering for all tastes. There's fiction, from romance to murder; non-fiction, from travel to religion; reference books, from encyclopaedias to atlases. There are large print books for those who find normal print difficult, and a collection of "talking books" on audio tapes and CD's for those who are too blind to read. Josie Wheeler:- "There are about a dozen of us on the Island who benefit from the library's talking books. Only when you're blind can you appreciate what these tapes and discs mean. They're a godsend." Largely thanks to a bequest, there is a collection of videos that is popular with borrowers. And charitable donations have contributed to building up a thriving Children's library. Brightly painted walls are lined by shelves that can be reached by children, stacked with books and "talking books" to suit all ages, and the tables and chairs are modelled for children's use. A popular feature is the "storytime" session held once a month by Tricia Lewis. Lisa Beresford- Children's Author:- "Of course, I'm delighted that my Wombles books are on the shelves of our library. But they are only a few of many hundreds of children's books there. It's heartwarming to see how popular the library is with the children of the Island. You only have to watch them at Tricia's story-time sessions to be convinced of that." The library is well attended and thousands of books are borrowed every year, then of course during the holiday season the numbers increase. But success has bought its own problems. Eileen Mignot- Library Committee Chairman:- "The simple fact is that we don't have enough space. Also, being situated on the first floor of the Island Hall, access is a major problem without a lift. This virtually excudes anyone from using the library facilities with a physical disability, in wheelchairs, and even parents with prams and pushchairs.This public facility is certainly not currently accessible to all. The whole building is also in urgent need of renovation. Fortunately,
we have planning permission to develop a purpose-built library behind
the Island Hall at ground-floor level. This will overcome not only the
problem of limited space, but also enable the library facilities to be
used by all- young and elderly alike.There will be improved facilities
for children, for the deaf, and for the visually impaired. Sir Edward du Cann:- "Raising £200,000 is a massive challenge. We are certain that the Islanders will dig deep in their pockets. But our appeal is addressed to a wider audience- to our friends in the other Channel Islands, to the thousands who come here for their holidays and enjoy being here, to publishers, booksellers, writers, business houses- anyone who appreciates the true value of a library to a community and the importance of books and information to our everyday lives. The seventeenth century writer and poet, John Milton, said: "A good book is the precious life-blood of a master spirit". All libraries aim to keep that life-blood flowing- certainly our library here in Alderney does, and we need your help to do it." With your help we will achieve the redevelopment of the 50 year old public library plus increase the facilities and accessibility. All donations will place your name in the "Book of Thanks"- the history book of the Library. Donations may be made at the Library or sent to:- The Honorary Treasurer,
Thank you.
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