For Joanne, the library has always been a familiar and welcoming place; a space filled with stories, imagination, and connection. Now, as a mother, she’s passed that love of reading on to her daughters, Lily May and Amelia, who have grown up exploring our Salford Libraries’ cosy reading corners, Storytime sessions, and creative activities. What began as childhood visits has now become a family tradition. One that continues to bring joy, comfort, and discovery with each book borrowed and every visit made.
We caught up with Joanne and her daughters, to find out more about their love of the libraries, and what exactly keeps them turning the pages and coming back for more.
Joanne: I’ve been coming for as long as I can remember! Then, when Lily May & Amelia were young, I made sure to bring them to the library too. They really enjoyed the reading corner. They could join in with Storytime and the LEGO sessions.
Lily May: Looking for the right books. This time I’m looking for Lotti Brooks and a Wimpy kid book. I like reading books that’ve been written in the form of a diary.
Joanne:
We recently went to the Storynook [at Winton and Little Hulton Libraries] and it was great. For children that struggle with people and public spaces, having a private space that you can use in your own way is brilliant. We could read Tiger Who Came to Tea and the Gruffalo and then play in the themed areas to make the experience our own.
Joanne: We used to buy books all the time, but they take so much space, especially in a family home. So, one day I thought why am I buying books when I can just borrow them from the library. Lily is partially sighted so the staff arranged to have some large print books sent from the Sunflower library collection at Winton and they were brilliant. The library itself is a lovely neutral space that’s so easily accessible.
Joanne: Every member of staff is so friendly and welcoming. They go above and beyond to help you. It’s nice to be somewhere that doesn’t make you feel like you are in the way. For me as well there’s a generational connection. I remember the library’s old layout so my relationship with the library has been a long one and now my children can have those same experiences, which is great.
Lily May: 78 Storey Treehouse [Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton]; the whole [Treehouse] series is good.
Amelia: I can’t decide!
Joanne: For children, the Harry Potter series [J.K. Rowling] and for adults, my choice would be James Patterson.
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