 |  |  |
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*
- Videos*
- Talking Books on Cassette*
- 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
- Storytime for under 6s every Saturday 11.00 - 11.30am
Freshwater Help Centre
The library now accommodates the West Wight Information 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. 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 14th and 28th February.
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
Dickens on an Island – 10th February
To commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Dickens, find out when he was on the Isle of Wight with a unique opportunity to buy a copy of "Dickens on an Island". A new reprint of Richard J. Hutchings book which Elizabeth Hutchings will be selling on Friday 10th February at 11 am.
Family History Service – 10th February
There is a new family history service on offer in Freshwater Library every second Friday of the month. Staff will be available for ten-minute help sessions between 10.00 and 11.00 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.
Big Bad Stories – 15th February
Stories, games and crafts for 4 to 8 year olds. Free event on Wednesday 15th February, 10.30-11.45
Book Chat – 21st February
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 – 28th February
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 28th February, when we will be discussing White Queen by Philippa Gregory.
New Books
Click here to see a selection of new books added to Freshwater Library
in October 2011.
Click here to see a selection of new books added to Freshwater Library
in December 2011.
Try a new book or DVD!
Click the picture for more details and to see if the item is currently in.
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
Promotions at this library
A Collection of Dickens
To celebrate the bicentennial anniversary of Charles Dickens’ birth, we have compiled a veritable cornucopia of books by him and about him.
Go Orange Day
To raise the profile of our local Freshwater Independent Lifeboat we have a collection of books on lifeboats and sea rescues. Also wristbands will be for sale for £2.00.
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
March
Local artist, Mary Golding, will be displaying a selection of her paintings during the month of March. They are mixed media and mainly local landscapes.
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.
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.
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 Spy who came in from the Cold – John Le Carré
Jan Toms Reading Group: The Help by Kathyrn Stockett
The Yarmouth WI Reading Group: The White Queen by Philippa Gregory
Red Lion Reading Group: The Welsh Girl by Peter Ho Davies
Christian Viewpoint Reading Group: Heaven is for Real by Tom Burpo
Reading Group for Listeners: White Queen by Philippa Gregory
The Walking Reading Group: The Abortionist’s Daughter by Elisabeth Hyde
Hopeful Reading Group: When God was a rabbit by Sarah Winman.
For more details of these groups please ask the staff at Freshwater Library.
Jan Toms Reading Group: The Help by Kathyrn Stockett
The Yarmouth WI Reading Group: The White Queen by Philippa Gregory
Red Lion Reading Group: The Welsh Girl by Peter Ho Davies
Christian Viewpoint Reading Group: Heaven is for Real by Tom Burpo
Reading Group for Listeners: White Queen by Philippa Gregory
The Walking Reading Group: The Abortionist’s Daughter by Elisabeth Hyde
Hopeful Reading Group: When God was a rabbit by Sarah Winman.
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, videos, DVDs and talking books on tape, reference collection, newspapers, photocopying, fax service, free internet access, free computer access and a collection of books on Tennyson. Freshwater Library also has 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 CLOSED 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: 07/02/2012
©2011 Isle of Wight Council
| Disclaimer
| Privacy |
Contact WebTeam | Direct Gov
| Freedom of Information | Report a problem