Can A Library Change A Life?
We love that our libraries are spaces not only for reading and book borrowing, but also for supporting healthy living initiatives, reducing social isolation, and allowing people to share resources and community together! From saving money and preventing food waste with community fridges to finding creative and supportive groups – we love that our libraries are hubs of connection!
And positive connection doesn’t just happen in the library; our Home Library Service sees volunteers bringing books to those unable to access their local library.
If you have a story of how your library has supported you. We’d love to hear it! Share your story here.
Discover three stories of how libraries changed lives:
Alex has been very impressed with how the staff and book quests at Ivybridge Library have transformed her seven-year-old son.
Alex shared:
“My son is two years behind with developing his speech and language skills due to hearing problems and his additional needs. We have had to move him to a smaller school as he wasn’t able to cope plus I have found out since moving him he has high anxiety about getting any of his learning wrong…
“The library staff have made him feel confident and happier in himself. He started the Secret Book Quest in early 2025 and to be able to talk to them and tell them all about the reading he has been doing has been a huge confidence boost. He’s now reached 100 books…
“He is feeling proud of his achievements and so he should do. His self-esteem is so low but when I show him the certificates he has got and what he has achieved he has a huge smile on his face…
“I fully support the library in everything they do for young children. Nothing is a problem and they are all amazing in how they up lift youngsters. Praise, from someone he respects, is big for my son and his confidence. His love for reading has grown hugely, when in the past it has been completely knocked, and he has felt a failure.”
Read Alex’s full story here.
Secgul moved from Turkey to Exmouth with her two sons in 2023 to join her husband who works as a carpenter. She wanted to improve her English skills to be able to join in with the local community in East Devon and find work.Secgul shared:
“I have been attending the conversation class at the library in Exmouth for about 10 months. I found this place on the advice of a friend. Our volunteer teachers and library staff are very kind and helpful…
“I know that the first condition for living in a new country is to learn the language. And thanks to this class, my English improved and my self-confidence increased. I have now been able to get a job at Opendoor Exmouth as kitchen assistant, a Christian charity that works to combat isolation and poverty, help people develop skills, and promotes positive mental health and wellbeing…
“I am very happy. I am very hopeful to realize my other dreams in the future.”
Read Secgul’s full story here.
Philip is often found settled in his favourite chair, deep in a history book at Torquay Library. He used to work in a hospital and visits the library multiple times a week, and is passionate about the role it plays in his life and that of the wider community.Philip shared:
“As you walk through the door you’ll see three comfy chairs and my favourite is the middle one… If the chair is free I spend a very happy couple of hours there two or three days a week, looking at the new books I’ve come in to pick up.
“I moved to Devon from London in 2008, walked past the library and thought well I may as well join, and I’ve been going regularly ever since. I walk with a stick now and it takes me about 20 minutes from my house. I don’t want to spend all my time on my own at home, and at the library everyone chats…
“”I joined the Book Club and I’ve been to some author talks. There are so many activities there, from children and their parents singing, which I love hearing, to homeless people getting a free hot drink and support. It’s a real community.
“I have terminal cancer and I have decided to leave £10k in my Will to Libraries Unlimited, specifically to help Torquay Library in any way they want. It has given to so much to me, and I want other people to continue to be able to enjoy it as much as I do.”
Read Philip’s full story here.
Want to read more stories of the impact our libraries have on the lives of the communities we serve? Check out more stories here!
