The Friends of Lambourn Library was set up in 2016 in the wake of a proposal to close all West Berkshire's branch libraries. A district-wide campaign overturned this, and the branch libraries are now staffed by paid staff and volunteers, without whom the libraries could not open.
The aims of the Friends of Lambourn Library (FoLL) are as follows:
Work with West Berkshire and local Parish Councils to ensure the future of a full library service in Lambourn;
Develop and promote a local vision and ambition for the library service, working with West Berkshire and Parish Councils, and other local community groups, taking account of local needs;
Use every opportunity to raise awareness of the library service and promote its use by local people and groups;
Support and promote volunteering at the Library;
Represent the views of local library users to West Berkshire Council;
Support the work of the library service in other appropriate ways.
Membership is open to any person aged 16 or above, or any organisation, living or located in the Lambourn area who supports the Aims of the Group. All Library Volunteers are automatically members of FoLL.
FoLL plays an active role in enhancing the library’s offer to the community. We organise and fund activities for both children and adults, including a popular programme of winter talks. Our fundraising efforts include organising donations, participation in the West Berkshire Lottery, and proceeds from the talks.
A key financial commitment for FoLL is contributing to the cost of extending the library’s opening hours. While Lambourn and East Garston Parish Councils provide the majority of the £6,000 currently required annually, FoLL will contribute nearly £900 in this financial year (2026 – 2027) to ensure the library can remain open for an additional two hours each week.
Although Lambourn Library is part of the West Berkshire Library Service and is community-supported rather than community-run, FoLL plays an important role. We help recruit volunteers who assist staff (and without whom the library could not open), organise children’s activities, and provide funding for equipment. We have also established a dedicated Racing Section, with a collection of non-fiction books focused on racing in Lambourn.
Library membership is free and offers significant benefits to the community. Members have access to public computers and the online library app, as well as a wide range of both physical and digital resources. These include books, Well-Being bags, jigsaws, Reminiscence boxes. QuickReads, large print titles, and dyslexia-friendly children’s books. Through BorrowBox, users can access eBooks, newspapers, and magazines online. The library also provides, for a small charge, printing and photocopying services.
The library serves as a vital community hub, hosting a variety of regular groups such as the adult Reading Group; Books and Biscuits, a children’s book club; Chess Club; Art Group; and Knit and Natter. It also runs Rhymetime sessions and Friday afternoon children’s activities (Goldentime). As a warm and welcoming space, the library attracts people of all ages and backgrounds, supporting social inclusion and community wellbeing.
Anyone interested in becoming a Volunteer at Lambourn Library or in joining the FoLL Committee please contact the Chair via: folambournlibrary@gmail.com
Lambourn Library is situated on Lambourn High Street, and is open
Tues. 2pm – 5.30pm
Weds. 10am – 1pm
Thurs. 3.30pm – 5.30pm
Fri. 10am – 5pm
Sat. 10am – 12.30pm
Tel: 01488 71357
