Alex

Alex has been very impressed with her local library in Ivybridge. The staff and reading challenges have transformed her seven-year-old son. Alex also had told us that her son is waiting to be diagnosed with ADHD/dyslexia.  

“I have used Ivybridge library since having children seven years ago. We first came to Bounce & Rhyme plus a preschool group. It was sociable and the staff are so approachable. You are able to have fun and not be judged. 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. Some of this is around reading and writing or doing new activities. 

“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. I will be forever grateful for this program as he now reads every day without dramas or meltdowns/dysregulation. There is no time scale and therefore no pressure but you get huge rewards. It has given him the confidence to talk about it in his new school and be able to identify what he likes reading. He loves interactive books, factual books, things he can touch or feel, and fun colourful illustrations are so important too. 

“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. 

“Ivybridge library is a welcoming, calm, happy, relaxed place for everyone and everything. They are so supportive if you need to use printers or computers, everyone is approachable and has a smile. They understand the difficulties out there for young children and families. They are like an extended family for us. I will be forever grateful for every aspect of the library.”