Libraries Changing Lives: Katie Blackmore
Posted on 05 Sep 2019
Katie Blackmore volunteers at South Molton Library in North Devon, running a weekly wellbeing group called Better Together. Katie, who suffers with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), decided to get involved with the local library when she had to leave her job at the NHS.
Katie said: “The staff at the library have been so welcoming and made me feel part of the team. I’ve been invited to many quiz nights and other social events. I also enjoy helping the community and meeting new people.”
Katie runs the group at the library every Thursday, bringing people together in a relaxed and welcoming environment to make new friends, share personal experiences and discuss well-being and other life circumstances.
Katie says her role at the library has helped her significantly, and she enjoys being able to give back to the local community. She said: “It’s improved my life by being able to meet people in a safe and friendly environment. Running the group has restored my confidence and given me pleasure in being able to help others.”
South Molton Library is open five days a week and hosts a variety of regular events including Lego Club, Bounce and Rhyme, computer and gadget help, family history, knit and natter and reading and writing groups. Katie says she would encourage everyone to visit their local library to see what’s on offer. As well as helping her, she believes that it has a positive impact on the local community as a whole. She said: “It does make a difference to people’s lives. There are so many activities and events going on in the library. It’s a real community hub for the town, it’s much more than just books.”
South Molton Library is situated within the heart of the bustling market town. Located within the Amory Centre, the library stocks a wide selection of books, audiobooks, DVDs and local studies items and has a dedicated children and teen library offering lots of variety. To find out more visit www.devonlibraries.org.uk or call South Molton Library on 01769 572128.