Libraries have always been cornerstones of the community. Not just places for books, but places where stories are discovered, friendships are made, and memories last a lifetime. At Little Hulton Library, Jackie is one of those familiar faces. A regular visitor for as long as she can remember, Jackie has grown up with the library as part of her everyday life. We sat down with her to chat about what keeps her coming back, and why the library means so much to her.
Forever. I remember the library as it was before the refurbishment. Back when you had the old ticketing system, where you would just stamp your book and off you go.
I love crime. It’s a genre that takes you out of yourself. When you live on your own, picking up a book is an activity that you can escape to. I used to buy a lot of books, but nowadays I just use the library because it’s a more affordable way to maintain that love of reading.
There’s a detachment when reading crime. Of course, in everyday life, I know there’s a lot of crime about, but when you’re reading a fiction novel in that genre, I find I can separate it from real life. I enjoy the process of solving the mystery along with the characters, so long as there’s a good ending, of course.
Quite a few. Stuart MacBride’s books have a fun sense of humour to them. I also enjoy Karin Slaughter, Jessie Keane, and Zoe Sharp.
I do sometimes. When that happens, I usually change directions and try something new. It means that every now and then I’ll read a more light-hearted book, just to get me out of that slump, and them I’m back to it with Crime.
For me, it’s very important. I read a lot. Over the years, I’ve even donated some books, and I can still see them here, still on the shelves. There’s a sense of community here. The staff, Alison and Lorraine, are always happy to help with anything, from understanding the technology services on offer, to just having a chat. I don’t drive so having a library close to me has a big impact. It offers a safe space to come and build familiarity with people and it’s always nice to see children and families using the space as well.
Jackie’s story is a great reminder of what libraries offer to the communities they serve. They’re safe, welcoming spaces where people can escape into new worlds, connect with others, and feel part of something bigger. At Little Hulton Library, that sense of community shines through. Thanks to the dedication of the staff, and the loyalty of visitors like Jackie, as long as there are people wanting to discover new stories and friendships to be made, libraries will continue to be at the heart of our communities for generations to come.
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