person stands in front of bookshelf holding zines

How Libraries Transform Lives

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.

Eva found a new sense of confidence and a career at her local library. She first got involved at Okehampton Library through her college’s work experience programme in July 2023.
Eva shared:
“I didn’t know what career I wanted to pursue, I just knew that I enjoyed reading and the library was an approachable place to ask for work experience… I was quite a shy person but it’s really helped me come out of my shell. A staff member heard about my passion for art and knowledge of zines, and asked if I would like to help run their zine workshops for eight- to 12-year-olds…
“I have also helped to put together a couple of displays for the children’s area, which was great to physically contribute to such an important place. I love doing the displays, I had the chance to complete the whole Christmas display by myself. It was great fun and great to see my hard work pay off and to see that people like it.
“My time in the library has also made me consider a librarian career… I’ve seen how lovely the library staff are towards everybody and want to be more like them… So I am developing my IT skills to do so and possibly pursuing an apprenticeship involving children’s work.”
Read Eva’s full story here.

In July 2022, 43-year-old Olga Vynnyk left her hometown Kharkiv — the city where she had lived all her life — together with her eight-year-old daughter Masha. The forced departure due to the war marked the beginning of a new chapter; since arriving in Devon, Olga has worked to improve her English and has begun teaching photography at the Torrington and Holsworthy libraries.
“For me, it’s important not only to teach technical skills but also to help people see beauty in everyday life. The most touching moments are when participants exclaim: ‘I see it! I never noticed this before!’ That’s when I know it was all worthwhile…
“After photographing the first spring flowers, we went to lunch and sat together at a big table. Then my students applauded me and gave me a card with wishes from each participant. I cried tears of happiness. These are some of the best moments of my life…
“Libraries have opened not only the teacher in me but a whole new world. I always say: I know a drop, but I don’t know the ocean. To grow, develop, and share knowledge — that is the meaning of life.”
Read Olga’s full story here.

Jack is a regular visitor to Buckfastleigh Library with his daughter. He has passed his lifelong love of libraries and books on to his daughter. Together they enjoy finding books and discovering the stories, pictures and knowledge within them.
“Throughout my life I have always made joining my local library a priority whenever I move to a new area. I have been using libraries since I was a child as I have a lifelong passion for reading and literature…
“My daughter is five now. We introduced her to the library as pretty much as soon as she opened her eyes… She loves visiting the library and talking to library staff member Megan about the latest reading challenge such as the Secret Book Quest; she’s completed many of them! She got her gold certificate for reading 100 books and we put it in a frame on her bedroom wall. She also loves collecting the stickers.
“I feel very lucky to still have access to a local library with professional, knowledgable staff. I read about them being shutdown all the time, marginalised and undervalued and it is a terrible shame. They are one of society’s most valuable assets and we should be proud of them!”
Read Jack’s full story here.