Elizabeth Potbury
How the Library has made a difference in my life.
"My husband and I moved from Tunbridge Wells, where we'd lived most of our married life, to Devon to retire in 2021. His family are true Devonians and we still had relatives living around Whimple. We came on holiday, fell in love with Ottery, and have been very happy here since.
"But it was a big move and we didn't really know anyone apart from family. So we thought if we joined a club, or volunteered somewhere we might meet people. The first place I went was Ottery Library and I was at once surprised and delighted to find it a cheerful, friendly place where conversation was positively encouraged. I explained to the library staff member that I was thinking of volunteering and she said "Stay there! I have to phone someone." Minutes later another volunteer arrived and I was persuaded to become a member of the Home Library Service! I have been delivering books to housebound elderly or vulnerable people ever since, and of course met the other team members, who are now all very good friends.
"The Home Library Service operates once a fortnight, on a Thursday morning. Because it takes quite a while to choose the books for our clients, most of us do that on a different day, so we are ready to leap into our cars on a Thursday morning. We usually have three or four clients each, and we always try to stay and chat a bit and get to know them well. After we have all done our rounds, the team meets for coffee or delicious hot chocolate, and to set the world to rights.
"Ottery Library is an amazing place. If you ever feel a little down-hearted, that is where to go. The library staff are unfailingly helpful. My granddaughter asked me to make her a Celtic costume. But what did Celts wear? Off I go to the library where books and pictures were found for me. Problem solved. On another occasion I was surprised to see a small black cloud hanging over my garden gate. A swarm of honey bees. What do I do next? Ring the library, of course, and they somehow found the name of a lovely man who came and captured the swarm and also gave me a jar of local honey. All thanks to the library.
"I have a passion for reading and have lost count of how many library books I have read during my time in Ottery. One of my favourite authors is Jane Austen, and I confess that in my old age I like books with happy endings – pure escapism. If you like crime stories, I have recently discovered L.J. Ross. Her books are good page-turners. I couldn't live without Ottery Library and the wonderful people there."
