Appledore Library Refuses to Die

In a world where everything seems to be dominated by big issues and national problems, it warms the cockles of your heart to hear of local people pulling together to save a community service that is danger of dying.

Such a story has caught my attention lately, where the community of Appledore in North Devon has pulled with the strength of Sampson himself to save and ultimately secure the future of their local library. This is not a subject that will normally catch the attention of the national press, but surely sums up the fortitude that locals sometimes have to show to protect their local facilities.

The story begins in January 2006, nearly seven years ago now when it was announced that twelve Devon libraries would close. Nick Arnold, local resident and author of the “Horrible Science” books has been at the forefront of the campaign to retain the library and describes in a recent article how the decision was made to fight rather than let it happen.

By forming the Friends of Appledore Library, they had a vehicle as a “campaign bus” to use as a focal point. Even a local “Queen Victoria” turned up to harangue council officials on a June 2006 Consultation Day!

By November of that year, it was deemed that the library would not close, but that in many ways was the start of more serious problems. The community's offer to run the library could only be short term (why should they fund a facility that most of Devon received for free?),

Not to be disheartened, the community convinced all candidates standing in the 2009 elections to include a pledge for full funding, and this was achieved. Other truths then had to be faced, the main one being that the building itself was not “fit for purpose” (modern phraseology for damp, shabby and no disabled access!)

There was no council money, so step forward local hero Walter Fowler who for years had been selling used books in an Appledore garage. £18,000 was forthcoming from this source and hey presto!, work could commence.

Heaps of depressing rubble gave raise to pessimistic thoughts, but Jim Jackson, another local hero project managed the whole thing despite falling off a ladder. Neighbours provided power, and Devon Libraries funded lighting and new heating.

On the 15th August this year the Friends plus Devon County Council formally celebrated the opening, with speeches and Walter Fowler cutting the ribbon.If you visit Appledore, find time to visit this bright, sparkling building. There is a first floor events room, but as Nick Arnold concludes, the greatest benefit is the invisible one, and that is the young lives that will blossom and gain hope through reading. Local spirit and determination has won out yet again.

Check out the web site below for full details of the Appledore Book Festival and plans for the 2013 event.

http://www.appledorebookfestival.co.uk