Kind donation supports Hook Norton Library

The leading housebuilder is currently building homes at Bourne View on the outskirts of the village, and has provided funding to the library to purchase a new tablet computer that will be used in the near future once Wi-Fi is installed.

The sponsorship came about after a voluntary fundraising group, Friends of Hook Norton Community Library, approached Taylor Wimpey for support.

Sue Ditchfield, secretary for Friends of Hook Norton Community Library, said: “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.”

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

“Our library manager is very keen on encouraging children to read for pleasure and to support their learning,” Mrs Ditchfield said.

“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.”

Nikki Gibson, Sales and Marketing Director for Taylor Wimpey Oxfordshire, added: “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!”