Elsa Lewis
Elsa Lewis was delighted to find a free community breakfast being served when she dropped in to Torquay Library. But it's far from the only thing she loves about her local library.
"One day I'd popped in while I was visiting my mum who lives nearby," said Elsa, 55 who lives in Torquay. "My brother and his children were with me as I wanted to show them the library. It was then a great surprise to find there was a free breakfast going on that we were all invited to take part.
"The children, aged five and seven at the time, really enjoyed the croissants and we all sat down and read some books together and chatted with the library staff. It was nice to see a range of ages. The ladies helping with the breakfasts were wonderful and friendly. I think the breakfast made a lovely lasting impression on me – I know it was a one-off, but it was nice to be part of it.
"I moved here from Kent, where my grown-up children still live, to be nearer my Mum. I pop in to the library quite a bit to enjoy the atmosphere and am now volunteering running a computer hub at Torquay Library – every first Wednesday of the month 2-4pm.
"I've always gone to the library at different times of my life. I've borrowed books for myself, introduced my children to reading, I've been in there writing essays for school and uni, and now as a volunteer.
"I love the different events that go on in the library. It's a great setting for lots of author readings, Lego building events, second hand book sell-offs and other events. When my children were younger we enjoyed the Richard Scarry books – we loved the illustrations. My favourite one is What do People do All Day? – it's got a great diagram of central heating in it! For the teenage years The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, and the CS Lewis Narnia series were our favourites
"I think libraries provide a unique opportunity as a neutral space for the community and it is so good to be able to find computer help, which combats both digital and social exclusion. I feel privileged to be able to volunteer – I have met some lovely people in the library."
