Angela Roberts
Books, reading and creative writing have been an important and enjoyable part of Angela Roberts' life ever since she was a child.
"I was born in Croydon, Surrey but moved to Exeter to study English and Philosophy at the university in 1980. I started work straight after leaving school, as my mother insisted that I had a job before going to university, so I trained at St. Mary's hospital in London to be a Registered General Nurse. I worked as a matron and manager of some nursing homes after I graduated and then switched careers to teaching and assessing health and social care.
"I have been a member of a library for most of my life. Exeter Library has always been special to me since I came to live in Exeter as a student but now I tend to go to the Hayridge in Cullompton, Devon. I like books and prefer to read from the page rather than from a screen. I possess a lot of books at home but picking up a couple from the library usually makes me read them more quickly as there is an end-date. I am a slow reader – I can speed-read factual information but I like to enjoy every word of a work of fiction – so I frequently have to renew my library books. Sometimes, in the past, I have borrowed CD's or DVD's, mainly when the children were younger.
"I've been married twice and have four children. We always enjoyed the school holiday activities in the library. In particular, I remember taking the children to Exeter Library for creative fun related to the Animation Festival held around February half-term for several years. I am always surprised and pleased that there is such a rich and varied programme of activities available to suit all ages. Libraries are good examples of inclusive environments with opportunities for everyone to join in and spend their spare time usefully employed.
"I believe that libraries provide an invaluable service to the community that goes far beyond lending books. These days, libraries are safe and warm havens from adverse weather conditions, a free space to spend time away from the hustle and bustle of modern life and a place to feel valued and appreciated. The staff are always very professional and polite. You can chat to them to pass the time and, if you need help, say with the photocopier, then they are readily willing and able to exercise their expertise.
"I'm not sure that I have a favourite book or author. When I was a teenager I used to like Mary Stewart. I went back to university to take a Master's Degree in Creative Writing at the University of Exeter in 2016. During that time I particularly liked to read short stories by Margaret Atwood and Alice Munro. I dream of writing my own book one day; perhaps an autobiography or a murder mystery. You never know – I just need to make a start!"
