Emma Barnett

"Our son Noah was born prematurely at 24 weeks in July 2022," said Emma Barnett, 35, who lives in Bideford. "He spent five months in various hospitals and is now a thriving cheeky little boy. 

"I first started using Bideford Library in early 2023. We went to storytime and bounce & rhyme sessions as well as taking home books to read with Noah. I was nervous attending for the first time. Noah was still on oxygen but the staff made me feel at ease and were so friendly. I was worried something could go wrong with him medically, and it was also difficult as people would ask so many questions about Noah and his oxygen but with the help of the library this became easier to cope with. 

"He is now going to nursery but we still visit the library as often as possible to return and exchange our books. We read to Noah during the day as well as every night before bed and he loves hearing the stories, then pointing things out and telling me what they are afterwards. Bedtime stories are special in our house and give us that wind down time. Noah loves anything Paddington and the Jack Tickle books. I enjoy reading a good fantasy novel when I get time! 

"We met other mums with their children through the library, one of which we still see regularly for playdates in the park. We always enjoy talking to the friendly staff at the library when we visit. Reading has always played a big part in our family and we love the fact that we have a library close by so we can borrow books. We also enjoy visiting when they hold events like the Dino egg hunt at Easter, this was great fun for Noah. 

"Without the library, Noah and myself wouldn't be able to explore the wide range of books in this world."