Theresa is co-founder of Friends of Stirchley Library and the Chair of the Committee. Here she explains why the library means so much to her and her family…
How are you involved with Friends of Stirchley Library?
I am the chair of the Friends of Stirchley Library. I have been involved since the original campaign to save the library from closure back in 2016. We were successful in our campaign to keep the library open, although with reduced opening hours. In 2017 we started the Friends group and managed to secure some funding to establish the volunteer support network by purchasing the self issue kiosk and recruiting volunteers to extend the library’s opening times (with a reduced service) as well as supporting the library with publicity and events.
What does the library mean to you?
I love Stirchley library. Stirchley library has a special place in my heart. The staff are always so warm and friendly and make you feel welcome. I find the library a very calm, relaxing space, which soothes my soul. The building itself reminds me of the library I used as a child, Selly Oak library, which was also a Carnegie library. I enrolled my children at Stirchley as soon as I was able. The library was an invaluable support to me & my children as being a freely available, quiet space to read, play & socialise. We loved coming to storytots, which was the only toddler group that ran during the holidays. That was a great space to relax with the kids & have fun & for both the kids & adults to make friends. Likewise, with the other events such as the craft sessions.
Can you recommend a good read?
Hmm there are too many good books to choose from! I will sometimes sit in the children’s library & slowly work my way through all the new children’s stories. There is some stunning artwork & there are so many delightful stories, I find it very therapeutic.