Computer link for village library

Hook Norton Library has received a cash boost from Taylor Wimpey Oxfordshire to help buy a tablet computer that will be used in the near future once wi-fi is installed.

The sponsorship came about after the Friends of Hook Norton Community Library, approached the housebuilder for support.

Sue Ditchfield, secretary for Friends of Hook Norton Community Library, says: “One of our dedicated volunteers got in touch with Taylor Wimpey to ask if they would support the library, and when they offered us a donation we decided to use the money to purchase an tablet computer, because this is a facility that all library users can benefit from.

“With this amenity we hope to encourage more young people to make greater use of the library, as well as offer introductory tutorials for adults so they can learn how to use tablet computers.

“There are also many educational apps which we can install to appeal to local school children, as well as some apps specifically designed to engage the interests of older people – so this really is something that will appeal to the entire community.”

Part of the library’s ethos is to encourage more children in the local area to make use of its facilities, so volunteers and employees host regular activities during the school holidays.

Sue added: “Our library manager is very keen on encouraging children to read for pleasure and to support their learning. She has forged close links with Hook Norton Primary School and now every month two children from each class visit the library, along with their headteacher, to select books for themselves.

“The library also hosts children’s story time with crafts, while one of our volunteers has organised drama activities to take place as well.”

The Friends of Hook Norton Community Library group has been working to support the facility since 1998.

Sue said: “We help to provide funding for resources in the library and for the past year we have supplied volunteers to work in the library and, with the help of the parish council have met 50 per cent of the staffing costs.

“In the future we hope to invest more of our funds into technology such as tablet computers and to make these new facilities part of our long-term plan for Hook Norton Library, and Taylor Wimpey have given us a head start in achieving that.”

Taylor Wimpey are currently building homes at Bourne View, on the outskirts of the village.

Nikki Gibson, sales and marketing director for Taylor Wimpey Oxfordshire, says: “We feel it’s extremely important to invest in the communities where we build our new homes, so we’re delighted to offer this donation to Hook Norton Library and help to improve its facilities.

“We really hope the community of Hook Norton enjoys using the new tablet computer!”

Visit www.taylorwimpey.co.uk