St John is closing its Community Library Service.
The library, which specialises in large print books, was first established in 1949 initially operating from the homes of volunteers and then a small hut at the St John headquarters before moving to its current home adjacent to the St John training hall.
It was originally set up to provide books for sick and wounded servicemen in hospital and while the service has evolved over time, its managers say it has always stayed true to its motto ‘to every patient the book he wants’
Now, the charity offers a wide range of essential services to the community, including running the island’s ambulance services. It also offers first aid courses, and training in basic life support, plus an extensive Youth Programme ranging from badger to cadet levels, covering a wide range of subjects and activities.
The charity will now focus on those aspects after deciding to close the library, which will happen in May.
Chief Executive Officer, Heather Langlois, said: “In our community there are over 650 charities all vying for the same funding and volunteers. This fact alone encouraged us to explore areas within our own organisation where we could make efficiencies that would ensure a more impactful and accessible service for users while also removing any duplication of service within the charitable sector.
“This period of exploration resulted in a new relationship with the Guille-Allès Library
for which we are extremely grateful. After many conversations we have decided that
the Guille-Allès Library, an organisation committed to enriching lives and boosting
wellbeing throughout the community, is best placed to continue providing this service.
“Their knowledge, experience, and infrastructure, coupled with their preexisting collection of large print books, will ensure that this service continues to be delivered in a way that meets the changing needs of our community. This will also allow the St John Guernsey Charity to continue to grow its youth programme, first aid in school programme and train even more first aid volunteers for community events.”
Over the next few months, the St John Community Library will work with its members to help them transition to using the Guille-Allès Library while simultaneously working with volunteers to help them do the same.
The St John Charity’s collection of books will be made available to their library members to keep as a way of ensuring they have a wide selection of reading material to carry them through this transition period, whilst also helping to keep the memory of the St John Library alive.