Tattenhams library held its tenth AGM last month as a community library. For the last ten years the library has been managed by local residents. Whilst Surrey County Council provides the building and books, local volunteers staff and manage the building and the day-to-day provision of the local library service.
Tattenhams Library first opened on the 18th May 1961. Before that a limited service was provided from St Mark’s church hall.
In those early days it was a manual process with date stamps when a book was borrowed and a system of cards to record books borrowed.
Do any residents recognise themselves in the above photo? If so, please let us know.
Just over ten years ago, Surrey was considering closing some of their smaller libraries to save money. Local residents rebelled and the current hybrid form of working was developed sharing the cost between the Council and the community.
This has worked well with a team of volunteers running the library as well as providing additional services to the community. In addition to providing a huge source of books to borrow, Tattenhams Library sells second-hand books (Paperbacks £0.50 Hardbacks £1.00), offers the only photocopying service in Tattenham Corner (great for printing those Amazon returns labels) and holds a programme of arts and crafts and drama events during school holidays. It also hosts RhymeTime on Monday mornings (from 11.00 – 11.30 am). This is aimed at babies and toddlers, aged under five, along with their mums, dads and carers. It is based on sharing nursery rhymes, action songs and percussion music. It is fun, interactive and noisy! There is no charge – just come along.
The library premises are also used to host events for local organisations. It also has three computers available for members to use and it is free to join providing you are a Surrey resident. Greetings cards, stamps, and reading glasses are also on sale and the library acts as a donation collection point for the St Mark’s Food Club.
Tattenhams Library is open on Mondays to Wednesdays (10.00 am to 1.00pm), Thursdays (10.00 am to 4.00pm, Fridays (10.00 am to 5.00 pm) and Saturdays (10.00 am to 4.00 pm).
