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. See our library opening hours (PDF, 255KB, 1 page).

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.

• Books
• DVDs*   
• Free internet access and Wi-Fi
• Talking Books on CD and cassette*                  
• Large print books                              
• Computer facilities    
• eBooks
• eMagazines
• 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 list (PDF, 233KB, 2 pages).

Monday Drop-in

Held every first and third Mondays of the month from 10am to 12pm. A chance to meet up and chat over a tea or coffee.

Read the paper, browse, borrow, and request books, get advice on accessing the free apps available via the library service. Board Games, word searches and adult colouring are also available.

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

Twice a month on 2nd & 4th Tuesdays we have a half hour Storytime from 10am to 10.30am. No need to book, just come along with your toddler.

Scrabble

From 1.30pm to 4pm every Tuesday.

Mahjongg

From 10am to 12pm every Wednesday.

Library Reading Group

Held on the first Wednesday of every month from 3pm to 4pm. The books are set by the reading group and supplied by us for free. Limited spaces are available; book through the Library.

Rhymetime

Held every Friday from 10am to 10.30am. A half-hour session of rhymes and action songs to help your baby or toddler with their language development. It is also a great way for your child and you to make new friends. No need to book, just come along. 

Junk Modelling

Held on the second Saturday of every month. Junior activity with boxes, crayons, glue and more – use your imagination. 

Lego and Duplo

Lego is put out every Saturday morning and Duplo on Tuesday from 11am to 12pm on Storytime weeks. Other weeks, these are available from 10am to 12pm.

Activities are subject to change or cancellation. You can check on The Friends of Freshwater Library Facebook page or give us a call.

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.

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 website or their Facebook page for more information about their current events.