Welcome to the Friends of Freshwater Library (FOFL)

Friends of Freshwater Library is an independent group of volunteers who support the library, the only Council run library in the West Wight.

FOFL was founded in 2012 as a campaigning body to save the library in response to a threat of closure.  In 2016 Freshwater Parish Council took possession of the building and grounds from Isle of Wight Council. Nowadays, whilst the Council provides books and services and one paid staff member, we support it financially by paying for the expensive big items such as furniture and new book cases, film equipment, window blinds, the accessible toilet and new kitchen in 2015, and  most recently solar panels on the new roof.   We also fund the sundry items supporting the library’s daily needs: refreshments for staff, volunteers and customers joining group activities; materials for arts and crafts sessions, prizes for competitions, etc.

We help support the team of volunteers who help run the library by committing to a weekly half day session. This is vital, as the library service now only employs one person and depends on voluntary help from the community to survive.

We run frequent events, showing films on a big screen, arranging quizzes and talks, and activities for children in the school holidays. There are many regular activities in the library now, such as reading groups for adults, sessions for babies and toddlers, sessions for craft, Scrabble, Mahjong, etc.  These extras ensure that the library’s footfall remains high, complementing its primary function of lending books.

In June 2019 FOFL was honoured to receive the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK.  FOFL is run by a committee of 6 people with a range of talent and expertise and has over 200 local, paid up members supporting its efforts.  You don’t need to be a member to join any of our activities, but membership supports our efforts and gives you prior notice of events.

Please check out our forthcoming entertainments on the shop Page.

Make A Difference

We are determined to keep Freshwater Library alive and thriving in the centre of our community.

We aim to increase its use by people of all ages.

This wonderful New England style building has been a library and valuable community asset in our village since 1939. We must support it, improve it and keep it central to Freshwater and West Wight life – for everyone.

We value your time, support and help in this important task. If you’d like to make a donation, click on this link.  Please Help.

FOFL Membership

You can become a member of FOFL by joining the group for just £3 per annum. Membership ensures that you get regular updates of events and a reduction on some ticket prices.

To join FOFL please Click Here.