Jay Gardner

Jay Gardner has very fond memories of his local library and the important role it played in his life as a teenager. Now 52 and living near Crediton, Jay works as a professional tree surgeon and is a carer for his autistic son. He's recently rediscovered the library and continues to value its warm, non-judgemental welcome. 

"I had a very difficult childhood, growing up in a stepfamily and then finding out at 16 that I was also adopted. At the time I never realised I had a mental health problem – it turned out to be Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) which was only diagnosed a year ago. I'm also currently going through assessment for autism, again something I didn't realise back then. I was a lonely confused young man of 19 who spent his time alone and trusted no one.  

"It was the library in St Thomas that offered safety and a friendly, free place for reading and back then, cassette tapes to borrow, including the 'Flash Dance' soundtrack which I loved.  

"I was studying at Exeter College last year, 2024, and happened to walk through town and accidently wandered in front of Exeter Library with my coffee. I went inside and immediately felt a huge sense of comfort and safety with no judgment and then felt very sad remembering how lost I was back then. I felt the library once again offered safety, and again it has become part of my days. My children go in there now and enjoy it, and they know the story of Dad going there when I was young and treating it as a sanctuary.  I did get some books out about five months ago but never get time to read them! But it's just a great place to be and has helped me so much. When I go to the library as it gives me a gave a sense of purpose. In general I cannot stick to anything for long but in the library they are always patient and did not judge."