Freshwater Library

Welcome to Freshwater Library

We opened over 80 years ago and have a long history supporting the community. In 1904, book collections were sent in boxes from Seely Library in Newport and displayed at the West Wight Social Club and local schools. The library was completed in October 1939. With an initial collection of 4,000 books, we now hold 10,000 books and over 15,000 items.

The library provides a welcoming space to relax in the heart of the village. 

The library is supported locally by our Friends' Group that help us to raise money for the library and provide regular events of all kinds.

Christmas and New Year opening times

• Freshwater Library will close for Christmas on Tuesday 24 December at 4.00pm
• We re-open on Friday 3 January 2025 at 9:30am

Opening hours

• Monday: 9.30am to 12.30pm
• Tuesday: 9.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 4.30pm
• Wednesday: 9.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 4.30pm
• Thursday: Closed
• Friday: 9.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 4.30pm
• Saturday: 9.30am to 12.30pm

Special activities and events

Thank you for your interest in our special events!

While we don’t have any special events happening at the moment, we’re always planning exciting new activities and promotions. We encourage you to check back regularly to stay updated on our latest offerings.

We look forward to seeing you at our next event!

Regular events and activities

Reading Group for Listeners

We have a reading group for people with print disability, on the last Tuesday of each month from 11am to 12pm. Books are supplied by the Calibre Audio Library in “stick” format. The reading group is free to join, and all the talking books are free to borrow. Limited spaces are available; be sure to book through our library.

Stitch by Stitch

Work on your latest sewing, knitting, crochet, tapestry etc project. Meet up with others regularly with whatever craft appeals to you. Every first and third Tuesdays 10am to 12pm.

Story-time

Every Tuesday we have a half hour Storytime from 10am to10.30am. No need to book, just come along with your toddler.

Duplo Drop- In

After Story-time from around 11.00am the Duplo comes out until 4pm. There is a break for lunch 12.30 to 1.30.

Scrabble

From 1.30pm to 4pm every Tuesday afternoon.

Mahjongg

From 10am to 12pm every Wednesday morning.

Library Reading Group

Held on the first Wednesday of every month from 3pm to 4pm. Reading books from the Reading Group Sets supplied by the Library Service for free. Limited spaces are available; book through the Library.

Rhyme-time

Every Friday from 10am to 10.30am. A weekly half-hour session of rhymes, actions and songs. No need to book, just come along. 

Cribbage

2pm to 4pm every Friday afternoon.

Lego

Lego is put out every Saturday morning until 12pm.

Activities are subject to change or cancellation. Please check by visiting The Friends of Freshwater Library Facebook page or phoning Freshwater Library to check on 01983 752377.

Monthly quiz and regular film nights and talks

The Friends of Freshwater Library (FOFL) organise a monthly quiz, regular film nights, and talks.

Details provided on the Friends of Freshwater Library (FOFL) website or check out updates on the FOFL Facebook Page.

Archive and gallery

Freshwater and Totland Archive group has been set up in the West Wight, recording the history of the area, and providing a valuable resource for the local community. If you have photos, documents, maps, news, memories, or articles to provide, email archiverescue@hotmail.co.uk or call the library.

Are you looking for somewhere to exhibit your paintings or photographs? Have you thought about Freshwater Library?

Your paintings or photographs could be seen by over 4,000 visitors each month. There is no charge for exhibiting, but the library requires a ten per cent commission on sales. For availability or more information, contact us.

What we offer

• Books
• DVDs*   
• Free internet access and Wi-Fi
• Talking Books on CD and cassette*                  
• Large print books                              
• Computer facilities    
• eBooks
• eMagazines
• Blood Pressure monitor loan scheme
  
• Free access to Find My Past family history website
• Online reference resources
• Word processing  
• Scanning facilities                        
• Colour/B&W photocopying and print service*                                
• Reference collection                    
• Local Studies collection                  
• Newspapers                                       
• Bus Pass applications                   
• Teenage area                    
• Children’s area
• Homework collection
• Rhymetime

*Charges apply for these services.

View our fees and charges (PDF, 233KB, 2 pages) list.

Friends of Freshwater Library

A group, known as Friends of Freshwater Library, has been formed to support the library through fund-raising and promoting the library locally.

Their current projects are to improve the presentation of the library by replanting the flower beds and painting the railings. The group also organises talks, quizzes, garden parties and author visits, at which refreshments are served.

New members are welcome. You can join at the library or email info@fofl.co.uk.

Visit the Friends of Freshwater Library (FOFL) website or their FOFL Facebook Page for more information about their current events.