Two essential requirements keep the Community Library operating: Volunteers and Fundraising. The Library is staffed and managed entirely by volunteers and we’re always looking for new people to join us. You don’t need to commit to a regular shift and you can volunteer as often as you wish. While most volunteers like to work as librarians, there are many other ways to get involved, from helping with special events to supporting some of the group activities ranging from the weekly board games group to the fortnightly Busy Hand and Minds and the weekly Digital Drop In which offers advice on getting the most from your smartphone, tablet or computer, and dealing with on-line activities. The great thing about getting involved with the library is that you can follow your own passion, such as happened with the establishment of the Book Club, which has become a great success.
To find out more about volunteering, please drop in to the library or visit the website (https://nandlclibrary.org/volunteering/). You’ll find a friendly group of people who share a common interest in supporting the community.
The volunteers and Friends of the Library recently had a social activity of their own – a trip to Welford Road Cemetery. Opened in 1849, it’s the third oldest cemetery in the country and it’s still in use. The cemetery is the final resting place of several notable figures from Leicester’s past, including Thomas Cook, whose worldwide travel company began in 1841 with a day trip from Leicester to Loughborough for a Temperance rally. Ten years later he took 150,000 people to London for the Great Exhibition. Other notable graves include anti-slavery campaigner John Ellis; Thomas Fielding Johnston, who donated the land to create what is now The University of Leicester; and architect Arthur Wakerley, who designed one of Leicester’s best loved buildings, the Turkey Café in Granby Street. Of course, the Volunteers and Friends were particularly interested in the more ghoulish Crime and Punishment tour of the cemetery! A great day out for all.
On the fundraising side, a much need boost to the library’s running costs was provided by the Autumn Fayre with well over £1000 raised from the raffle, tombola and a variety of games. The next fundraising event is the Quiz Night on Friday 27 October. Tickets cost £7 and include a light supper. A fun evening is guaranteed, because fun is what drives the Library.