New library for Mably House

26.07.2010

Residents of Mably House - which provides temporary accommodation to people who are homeless - are enjoying the opening of their new library thanks to Hightown and the general book store Waterstones.

Mably House in Hatfield provides short term housing for people who are finding it difficult to find accommodation and who have some support needs.  A short while ago, Judith Wylds, Housing Support Worker at Mably House, decided it would be good for the residents to be able to access books via a small lending library.  Judith said “as it is not always practical or possible for service users to access a library when they first come to us, and finances are usually an issue, I decided it would be a good idea to set up a lending library.  I feel when life is not quite what we would like it to be, picking up a good book and getting lost in it takes us away from our own problems and alleviates the pressures we find ourselves under”.

After writing to several major book stores asking for donations, Judith was delighted when a large box filled with a variety of books was delivered to her office.  She said “I can’t believe how generous Waterstones have been.  They have sent so many fantastic books ranging from biographies to cookery books and they responded so quickly to my letter.  I can’t thank them enough for their kindness”. 

In just a short space of time the lending library has proven to be a real success with the service users, which makes a project like this all the more worthwhile. 

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