Everyone likes to get lost in a good book from time to time. The escapism of a gripping period drama or the anticipation of what is on the next page of a thriller or murder mystery, are waiting for you in libraries the length and breadth of the country.
But what happens when those libraries close and the books on the shelves start to collect dust as no one picks them up and starts to turn the pages. Is that where the story ends for connecting communities to information, each other and offering a variety of resources to those who once used them?
Not if Book Exchanges have anything to do with it! And Pelsall Book exchange is one of these services that is most definitely connecting communities and providing services once offered by the traditional council funded library. I visited Pelsall Book Exchange last month to find out more about what takes place here and what it means to those who use the centre including the book exchange itself.
Relying on 25 volunteers, who typically give up 3 hours of their time each week to cover the four days the exchange is open, it is used by 1,500 people, Jill is one of those volunteers who told me,
“I’ve been volunteering here for seven years now, twice a week. I wasn’t involved as library staff when it functioned as a library, only as a customer. Volunteering involves stamping the books that people want to borrow, just like would happen if this was still a council run library. Helping people if they need help to find a certain author, if we have it, selling books and recording what money has been paid and collecting and dealing with money the groups pay for their sessions too”.
One such session running that morning was the Friendship Group and the Shared Threads Group was in full swing as I chatted with Becky, who along with Joanne, had been involved with the Friendship Café CIC for over three years. She told me
“We have 140 members currently and a third of those are regular users of the centre, 13 are members of the book groups and another 12 members are forming a new book club from September.
“This is an invaluable resource for members. We run book club here and as there is no library, a lot of our members borrow books as there have mobility issues and would not be able to get to a council run library as they would have to get a bus.
It’s very friendly and totally free. Everyone is really helpful, and people can take out magazines and books totally free of charge; that makes a big difference with how expensive everything is due to cos of living now”.
Becky elaborated on the group that would be happening later this morning – Book Buzz.
“It runs for about 90 minutes, we have 12 members, and we all met and share recommendations of books, films, and plays. Everyone in the group has bonded and it has led to people having social engagement outside the centre; this group has such a positive impact on all the members. Two members are starting an additional book club in September in the book exchange as it’s such a great venue, we wouldn’t use anywhere else!
The environment is so welcoming and have been given a wide variety of books and the room is free. All the staff are accommodating, people can buy a wide range of books for 20p or 50p and this makes such a difference to people’s lives.
“Pelsall is seen as such an affluent area and it’s not – people have property and no cash, lots of people have adult children living away from the area so they are isolated and living on low income. Places like this make all the difference. People can make friends, chat and take-home books free of charge; this is a fantastic resource for our area.
“Another thing that happens here are the IT workshops run by Nigel from Brownhills Community Association. We have 8 members using the IT services and again this is not usually something that you get locally here in Pelsall; people and would have to go into Walsall or Birmingham where our members cannot access.”
As we were chatting, there is a click-clack of knitting needles and the tables are covered in beautiful bright wool as the crafters are busy using donated wool and materials to make things for the Buddy Bag Foundation, the NHS, the Pelsall Poppies and recently for a project in Mohali. The wool and material that comes in has all been donated and the members make things out of this for it to get passed into the community when crafted.
“We have roughly 15 members (as there was restrictions on numbers after Lockdown) and we have a waiting list as we have as many people as we can fit into this space at the moment. People like it here so they don’t go once they join!
“Anyone who would like to be involved in the Shared Threads project without attending the sessions can do so by collecting patterns from Pelsall Community Centre or Pelsall Hub, all free of charge. You can get patterns for the Buddy Bag Foundation, Pelsall Poppy Appeal and everything you make can be dropped off there and we make sure it gets to the right people. You can get involved without attending; you can be a part of the friendship café without being a member and help the community. People can drop of wool or stuffing or here too”
The creations being made are incredible and I am welcomed and encouraged to try knitting myself one week! All this takes place in the centre of the room; books and shelves all around with people coming in and out to borrow books, return books, and even to sit awhile and read whilst enjoying a cuppa from Sprinkles Café; located to the side of the main room.
The Book exchange is full of people who love books and reading but it is so much more. Regular visitor and customer of Pelsall Book Exchange, Julie, told me
“I was devasted when this library closed. It was the second largest and most used library in the area, apart from the main library in Walsall town centre, and this one was closed. We (the regular customers) were told we could always go to the libraries in Bloxwich, Aldridge or Brownhills but that isn’t possible for all of us. I would have to take a bus and, as I look after my husband who is ill, I can’t leave him for that long. This is my lifeline – and that is why I was so devastated to hear that the library was closing.
“I was one of the first members to join when it opened as a Book Exchange! When the library closed, it took a few months to get volunteers. Although I can’t volunteer due to looking after my sick husband, I come and borrow books; they keep me sane. When I buy books, I recycle them and bring them back so other people can use them and I know, a book, is a picture, a story and keeps you contacted.
I’ve always loved books, and I remember coming her as a little girl! There has always been a Pelsall Library. This makes a difference to my life; without it I would be isolated. I can see people, chat; I come most weeks and choose books to borrow. I couldn’t get to Walsall, Aldridge or Brownhills as I would not be able to leave my husband for that amount of time. This really is my lifeline”.
My morning at Pelsall Book Exchange reminds me of the importance of community connection and making use of the resources and facilities that we have on our doorsteps. It’s so much more than books here at Pelsall, there is a real sense of community and friendship.
But don’t take my word for it, go and see for yourself! There’s always someone on hand to help you find your next book and recommend a new author to try. Thank you all for making me so welcome, especially Jill, Julie and Becky. This resource is essential, and people need it to connect to communities once again.
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