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  3 Generations at Crawley Library

  by Sylvia, about 1 year ago
  I arrived in Crawley aged 11, from abroad with my family. I had always been an avid reader, but had only been able to bring a few of my much loved books to our new home. Crawley library was a treasure trove of a free, never ending supply of adventures to escape into. Soon the library also became a vital source of non-fiction books, as well as a calm place away from the interruptions of younger siblings, to help me complete my Hazelwick school homework. I loved the peace and the grown-up feeling of working upstairs in the reference library.

  ... Continue reading

  I arrived in Crawley aged 11, from abroad with my family. I had always been an avid reader, but had only been able to bring a few of my much loved books to our new home. Crawley library was a treasure trove of a free, never ending supply of adventures to escape into. Soon the library also became a vital source of non-fiction books, as well as a calm place away from the interruptions of younger siblings, to help me complete my Hazelwick school homework. I loved the peace and the grown-up feeling of working upstairs in the reference library.

  
  

  Twenty years on and I was bringing my own children to the round children's library on Saturday mornings to satisfy their reader's appetites. We started with picture books to enjoy together and progressed to each child choosing books according to their own interests and favourite authors.

  Now there's a third generation of our family enjoying Crawley library, but in its new building. When I cared for the grandchildren after school in their primary years, we'd always visit the library one afternoon a week. Most visits we'd go to the coffee shop for the treat of a drink and cake after choosing our books. The years have passed all too quickly and I presently use the library as a quiet, useful place to help the eldest granddaughter revise and practise for upcoming GCSE exams, and the coffee shop still provides a welcome treat afterwards!
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  Avid reading of all Enid Blyton

  by Jackie R , about 1 year ago
  First really loved books by taking out masses of Enid Blyton books as a child

  From my local library and reading them avidly.
  I could read before I went to school and hated the Janet and John books I was forced to read at school. I wasn't allowed to go onto the library bookcase until I had read them. I got told off for saying that they were dull to my teacher who wouldn't let me go onto the bookcase books !
  I was told to kneel down and got the ruler whacked on my hands for saying so... Continue reading

  First really loved books by taking out masses of Enid Blyton books as a child

  From my local library and reading them avidly.
  I could read before I went to school and hated the Janet and John books I was forced to read at school. I wasn't allowed to go onto the library bookcase until I had read them. I got told off for saying that they were dull to my teacher who wouldn't let me go onto the bookcase books !
  I was told to kneel down and got the ruler whacked on my hands for saying so !!! Luckily it didn't put me off!! I went to the library every Saturday to change my books.
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  Whiling away the hours

  by CW, about 1 year ago

  While my mother would run errands in the town centre during the school holidays, I remember often finding a comfortable place to sit in the library to read the various graphic novel comic books available while listening to my preferred CD of the day.

  While my mother would run errands in the town centre during the school holidays, I remember often finding a comfortable place to sit in the library to read the various graphic novel comic books available while listening to my preferred CD of the day.
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  8.01.2025. The library. A special place in my heart

  by Gillian de Silva, about 1 year ago

  
  

  8.01.2025 The library. A special place in my heart.

  The first libraries in England were established in Norwich in1608 and Ipswich in 1612.

  I thought I would research this as I can never remember a time , in my life, without books. My mother, father and grandparents were always reading books, library books. “Libraries must have been around for a long time “ , I thought , but I didn’t realise how long. Wow!

  In fact, the world’s oldest known library is believed to be the Library of Ashurbanipal founded in the 7^th Century for the Assyrian ruler of... Continue reading

  
  

  8.01.2025 The library. A special place in my heart.

  The first libraries in England were established in Norwich in1608 and Ipswich in 1612.

  I thought I would research this as I can never remember a time , in my life, without books. My mother, father and grandparents were always reading books, library books. “Libraries must have been around for a long time “ , I thought , but I didn’t realise how long. Wow!

  In fact, the world’s oldest known library is believed to be the Library of Ashurbanipal founded in the 7^th Century for the Assyrian ruler of the same name.

  Enough of that! Now me and my memories.

  My earliest memory is of a library van. I grew up in the North East of England , in Northumberland , and my mother, brother and I would set off , by foot, ( no cars in our family at that time) and walk to the van. I can’t say exactly how long it took because it parked in different places every time it came. Sometimes about an hour and sometimes 20 minutes . Very occasionally it parked down the road and our journey was short.

  It was worth the walk ,because ,for me, it was a heavenly experience . I was surrounded by books. Books ,everywhere. The librarian would be in the van advising her prospective readers and the driver would, inevitably, be sat in the front, reading.

  I remember my mother meeting her neighbours there and being quite reticent when they asked to see her reading matter. I never knew why that was but she obviously wanted to keep her choice of literature , a secret.

  Sadly, the mobile Library service was gradually reduced and it arrived so infrequently that we had to get on the bus and go to our nearest town and the big County Library.

  How exciting!

  I had never seen so many books in one place. From what I remember I was only allowed to take out 2 at a time, although that could have been because my mother worried that I was not old or responsible enough to care for more than 2. I also remember the little cardboard library cards we gave in when choosing a book and they were handed back to us when the books were returned.

  The library was very special and precious. It was instilled into us that we had total respect for the books. We returned them on the deadline, or before , and we were silent on the premises at all times.

  It seems draconian but I loved that place and looked forward to those visits with excitement and anticipation.

  As an A’level student I applied for a Saturday job at our local library and was pleased to be 1 of 3 chosen in County Durham. A Saturday job as a library assistant was perfect for me.

  My friends came in and I would take their substantial fines and place them in a pot under the counter. In the 1970’s this system was far removed from the ultra efficient computerisation of today.

  100 years of Library service in West Sussex!!!!!

  Yes. Of course things have changed especially because of the introduction of computers but have the basic advantages and attractions of the library service changed?

  I would say no.

  I still love the library. It’s still a special place. We cannot computerise social interaction, asking librarians about certain books, browsing books, still physically enjoying the presence of books. None of this has changed.

  They are a huge part of numerous lives. We need our libraries. They are vital to the nation’s mental and literal welfare. Just as they have been for my entire life.

  I look forward to the next 100 years.
• Share There is nothing like reading a good book! on Facebook Share There is nothing like reading a good book! on Twitter Share There is nothing like reading a good book! on Linkedin Email There is nothing like reading a good book! link

  There is nothing like reading a good book!

  by Shelley68, about 1 year ago

  I’ve been a library member for over 50 years, as soon as I could read I enjoyed being lost in a good book, and still do! It’s was an independent trip, with friends, always on a Saturday morning, going to the library seemed so grown up. I remember the smell of the wooden bookcases and the silence, as I trawled through the children’s fiction section, trying to decide which books to choose, in those days you were only allowed 4 at a time. I remember the sound of the ink stamp, punching in the new date, I always wanted to... Continue reading

  I’ve been a library member for over 50 years, as soon as I could read I enjoyed being lost in a good book, and still do! It’s was an independent trip, with friends, always on a Saturday morning, going to the library seemed so grown up. I remember the smell of the wooden bookcases and the silence, as I trawled through the children’s fiction section, trying to decide which books to choose, in those days you were only allowed 4 at a time. I remember the sound of the ink stamp, punching in the new date, I always wanted to do that job! Sometimes if we had older friends with us, we would get them to “take out” the teenage fiction books for us, unbeknown to the librarian! We also regularly used the library for homework and the frustration of finding someone had beaten you to a particular book, was unbearable, especially as you knew they wouldn’t return it time for you to use it too.
  All my now grown up children are members of the library and all love reading, we used to go to Worthing Library on a Friday evening when it was open late followed by a special tea, once a month. They all took part in the summer reading challenges and still have the medals received in the early days, given to them at a special ceremony at the town hall. Both my daughters have helped with the summer reading challenges too.
  My two granddaughters love reading and love having stories read to them, even in this age of technology. There is still nothing like a good book.
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  Our own special place.

  by Lizzylegs, about 1 year ago

  I was about 4 years old when I first remember going to the library with my Mum. The library in the Martlets Hall, Burgess Hill was still very new and I remember looking up and seeing the glass domes in the ceiling. These were especially exciting when it rained or during a thunderstorm.

  My sister and I would always head for the children's section and climb the three steps up to the raised area and sit on the little wooden stools with the woven tops. It was like our own little world surrounded by the reassuring hug of well stocked... Continue reading

  I was about 4 years old when I first remember going to the library with my Mum. The library in the Martlets Hall, Burgess Hill was still very new and I remember looking up and seeing the glass domes in the ceiling. These were especially exciting when it rained or during a thunderstorm.

  My sister and I would always head for the children's section and climb the three steps up to the raised area and sit on the little wooden stools with the woven tops. It was like our own little world surrounded by the reassuring hug of well stocked bookcases. The stools came in various heights and I remember, over the years, going from one to the next, and the next until finally, I had outgrown them all.

  I am eternally grateful to my Mum for introducing me to the library. I have always loved books and reading. There is nothing like opening a book, smelling the ink and the paper and pausing for a second before diving in to a whole new world of possibilities.
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  For The Love of Books

  by AJ99, about 1 year ago

  Those early childhood memories of the delight of knowing it was library day!
  
  Grandma Clem would find her library ticket and pick up her wicker basket ready for our library trip.
  A short walk to the top road, look left and right at the zebra crossing and there was the portal to a world of books.

  Three short steps up to the double wooden doors and admittance into another cocoon-like world. The hushed atmosphere and the woody, musty, but comforting, smell of the myriad resident books.
  
  Prim, neat librarian seated at her desk - looking over the top of her... Continue reading

  Those early childhood memories of the delight of knowing it was library day!
  
  Grandma Clem would find her library ticket and pick up her wicker basket ready for our library trip.
  A short walk to the top road, look left and right at the zebra crossing and there was the portal to a world of books.

  Three short steps up to the double wooden doors and admittance into another cocoon-like world. The hushed atmosphere and the woody, musty, but comforting, smell of the myriad resident books.
  
  Prim, neat librarian seated at her desk - looking over the top of her glasses. All seeing, presiding over her kingdom. Did I just detect a kindly twinkle in those eyes?

  Granny Clem pottering off to the Adult Fiction Section shelves: A to Z. Catherine Cookson or maybe Paul Gallico . . .

  Towards the back of the library I would go. Trying hard not to skip. Children’s Fiction. ‘No, I’ve read that one.’ ‘Oh, that’s new.’ Enid Blyton - who didn’t want to be part of the ‘Famous Five’ adventures? C.S. Lewis - wonderful escapes into fantasy lands. Books: my bedside friends.

  The satisfying thwump of the library stamp. Return date imprinted. Plastic enclosed book front cover shut.

  Library treasures carefully stowed in the wicker basket. Next stop: newsagent for ‘Woman’s Weekly’ and maybe a liquorice pipe.

  Thanks to Grandma Clem and libraries my love of books has been lifelong.

  
  So many books, so little time!
  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  
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  goring church school

  by caswall, about 1 year ago
  I am 87 years old. When I was at Goring Church school, from the age about 6, I remember the library was held in the main classroom. The books were kept in folding cupboards and they were opened on Saturdays for the public. We each had a ticket with a pocket for the small card from the book which was tucked in and filed away. When we returned the book, the piece of card was put back in the book, which was put back on the shelves.

  I am 87 years old. When I was at Goring Church school, from the age about 6, I remember the library was held in the main classroom. The books were kept in folding cupboards and they were opened on Saturdays for the public. We each had a ticket with a pocket for the small card from the book which was tucked in and filed away. When we returned the book, the piece of card was put back in the book, which was put back on the shelves.
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  Family moments

  by M. Rigby, about 1 year ago
  I can remember as a child along with my sister once a month on a Thursday after school the thrill of racing home and jumping in the car with mum and dad and going for our monthly library visit we all changed our books, mum and dad off to the adult sections and my sister and I off to the children's such a wonderful monthly family memory all changing our books together and the thrill of seeing what we had all chosen then off home to all read our choices, it instilled a love of reading for us all which... Continue reading

  I can remember as a child along with my sister once a month on a Thursday after school the thrill of racing home and jumping in the car with mum and dad and going for our monthly library visit we all changed our books, mum and dad off to the adult sections and my sister and I off to the children's such a wonderful monthly family memory all changing our books together and the thrill of seeing what we had all chosen then off home to all read our choices, it instilled a love of reading for us all which we all still love to this day and I'm still using the library now such a wonderful wonderful resource for the community
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  The thrill of a Saturday morning library visit

  by JoS, over 1 year ago
  I can still remember the thrill of going to the library as a child and swapping my library books for new ones on a Saturday morning.

  If I hadn’t quite finished one of the books then I’d wake up extra early to finish it, just so I could get the maximum number of new books out.
  If the next book in any series I was reading was available on the shelf then that was extra special.
  Even now the anticipation of starting a new book is one of my greatest delights. Thank you West Sussex Library Service!

  
  

  
  

  I can still remember the thrill of going to the library as a child and swapping my library books for new ones on a Saturday morning.

  If I hadn’t quite finished one of the books then I’d wake up extra early to finish it, just so I could get the maximum number of new books out.
  If the next book in any series I was reading was available on the shelf then that was extra special.
  Even now the anticipation of starting a new book is one of my greatest delights. Thank you West Sussex Library Service!