A library in Swindon has labelled itself as one of the best in the town ahead of its annual Christmas event.
Beechcroft Community Library in Stratton was taken over by the parish around seven years ago and is run with support from the charitable group, Friends of Beechcroft Library.
Richard Hemmingway, 74, is the Treasury of the group and he and his wife Lesley have helped out at the building for several years since the takeover.
“Our role is to help the library with all its activities and we work very closely with the parish council to appeal to all age groups,” he said.
“We have one of the best libraries in Swindon, it is a brilliant institution and I really recommend it.”
The group manage to appeal to everyone by hosting several activities throughout the week with anything from art groups on Tuesday to friendship groups the following day.
“People come in to meet old friends and make new ones,” remarked Richard.
There are even boardgames on offer at the library, with chess being a particular favourite there as on Saturdays, 9 times Wiltshire Chess champion Peter Richmond attends.
“He has taught lost of British chess champions, so it is great to have him here,” said Richard.
Richard and the gang are extremely proud of the work they do and are aware of its importance to the local community.
“It is very rewarding, and it makes a real difference to the local community,” he said.
“It helps a lot of people and provides a real benefit to the whole area.”
The library’s Christmas event for 2022 will be taking place this weekend on Saturday, December 3, from 10:30am.
Refreshments and handmade cakes will be on offer, along with stalls selling books and DVDs.
Entry to the event is free and those attending can also expect live music there as well, making it the perfect start to the festive season in Swindon.
In addition to all of this, the event will also be hosting a raffle that will be drawn at 3pm, with lots of great prizes on offer.
“It will be a fun event and I hope that as many people attend as possible,” concluded Richard.
You can find the library on Beechcroft Road, and the building is open on all days of the week barring Sundays and Mondays.
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