Sarah Walker
When her children developed a passion for books through visits to their local library, it rubbed off on Sarah Walker. The busy North Devon District Hospital nurse has herself discovered a love of reading as we way of de-stressing from her job.
“The library is very much part of our family,” said Sarah, 45, who lives in Ilfracombe with husband Richard and daughters Kayleigh-Ann, 13, Jessica, 9, and Mary-Ella, 6. “We mostly use Ilfracombe Library but also Barnstaple on a Saturday afternoon for Lego club after their swimming lessons.
“I have been taking my girls since Bounce & Rhyme group as babies, and loved the warm, nurturing welcome. They have grown up with a fantastic relationship with the library and are always excited to visit – in fact they ask to go! As they’ve grown older we make weekly visits but when they were little it was a good three to four times a week for various activities or just to play and read.
“I’ve seen how the library is a lifeline for many young families, with the play area, craft sessions, singing and movement groups and snack bags available to feed hungry little tummies in the school holidays. You visit for a craft session or a play or just you get in from the cold and come out with a bag of books. All three of my girls love reading and as a result thrive at school and have the most wonderful imaginations. I put this down to the wonderful relationship they have with our local library.
“The girls all have their favourite books. My eldest daughter loves graphic novels and mythology. She read the whole series of How you train your dragon. Jessica loves the Dork Diaries and Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. My youngest loves a variety of books and chooses own requests for her bedtime stories. As a toddler she loved the ‘That’s not my…… ‘ books. The older ones also enjoy finding research books to read to support topics they are studying at school there is a wonderful variety to suit all their age groups.
“I have never been a reader but I am passionate about ensuring my girls have the valuable skill of being able to escape in a book. And it’s changed me too. Following their example, I am now a regular and enthusiastic reader and find it invaluable for distressing after a busy shift as a nurse or an little escape from the challenges of parenthood. I discovered a love of Jane Austen but am currently reading Sarah Maas books. The library also provides a peaceful place to study and use the computers for researching papers for my continuing professional development in Nursing. I also now attend a creative craft group as a grown-up now my girls are at school.
“It opens up a whole new world, from gaining knowledge to mastering excellent study skills for further education or focusing your mind to help with mental health – the list is endless and the gift this library has given to our community is priceless. Long may it continue to provide a vital and irreplaceable service to North Devon.”
