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Southend resident turns home into a library

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Southend resident turns home into a library

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Published by Anonymous for 24dash.com in Communities

Southend resident turns home into a library Southend resident turns home into a library

Southend residents Dennis Kerner and Anne Brooks have brought the library right to the door steps of their neighbours by opening a library in their own home.

The keen bookworms have transformed Dennis’ hallway into a very special library for residents to enjoy a free service. His home in Peartree Close, Southend has been transformed with shelves of books right up to the ceiling.

Books have been donated by local churches and libraries and they have everything from Jeffery Archer, to Mills and Boon and even Winnie the Pooh.

Dennis, who is an ex-chef, said “When I moved into this area there was little sense of a community spirit with a lack of support and local facilities, but with thanks to the residents, St. Lukes Community Partnership and Peartree Plus Resident Associations we have come on in leaps and bounds.

When the mobile library service was taken away we felt there was a need to have a local service, more so for the house bound or less mobile residents. After a discussion at the local Resident Association Meeting the idea came about.

“We found there was nowhere to hold it, so I suggested my flat could be used and it all started from there. It is so rewarding to see peoples faces and it also brings the community closer together. It is all about turning the community around whilst also opening opportunities for people and to share my love for reading.”

Dennis and Anne (who have been neighbours for the past six years) are also calling on other residents in the Southend Borough to follow suit so that the books can be rotated.

Anne, who is an ex librarian herself, added

‘It would be great if this could be rolled out across the borough to open up the readership even further. We are looking to expand the library even further to include children’s books in the future so are also keen for any donations”.

The library service is open Tuesdays and Thursday’s from 2.00-4.00pm at 30 Peartree Close for all residents in the St. Lukes Ward.
 

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