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
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Home-Start West Berkshire is a local independent charity that supports families with young children across West Berkshire. Established in 1997 and part of the wider Home-Start UK network, the organisation provides compassionate, practical and emotional support to families who may be struggling with issues such as isolation, mental health difficulties, poverty, housing instability, or the pressures of parenting young children. Its core belief is that every child deserves a strong start in life, and it works with families to build confidence, resilience and positive relationships within the home.
Home-Start West Berkshire provides early help support to families with children aged 0–5 across the West Berkshire district, including areas such as Lambourn, Hungerford and the surrounding villages. The charity works with families referred by health visitors, GPs, family hubs, social care professionals, schools, and other local agencies, and families can also self-refer.
Typical office opening hours are Monday to Friday during standard office hours, although support services such as home visits and groups may take place at different times depending on family needs.
Services Provided:
Volunteer Home-Visiting Support
One of the charity’s central services is volunteer home-visiting. Carefully trained volunteers are matched with families and visit them regularly in their homes. These visits provide:
* Emotional support and a listening ear
* Practical parenting advice and encouragement
* Help with routines and child development activities
* Support to access services and community groups
* Respite for parents who may be struggling
Home visits typically last two to three hours per week and are designed to reduce isolation and increase parental confidence.
Maternal Mental Health Support
Home-Start West Berkshire runs specialist services to support mothers experiencing perinatal mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and isolation after childbirth.
The programme includes:
Peer support groups for mothers and babies
* Support from professionals such as clinical psychologists
* Rapid response help when families are in crisis
* Volunteer home visits to provide respite and emotional support
The aim is to improve wellbeing for mothers while strengthening parent-child relationships and early attachment.
Family Groups
The charity runs weekly family groups across West Berkshire designed for families who may feel isolated or lack confidence attending mainstream activities.
These groups offer:
* Play-based learning activities for children
* Support to develop early social and communication skills
* Opportunities for parents to build friendships and peer support networks
* Guidance from trained staff and volunteers
Sessions include activities such as messy play, music, storytelling and interactive games that encourage healthy child development.
Transport may also be provided to ensure families experiencing financial hardship or rural isolation can attend.
Baby Bank
The Home-Start Baby Bank provides essential items for babies and young children to families experiencing financial hardship.
Items supplied may include:
* Clothing for babies and toddlers
* Nappies and wipes
* Toys and books
* Baby equipment such as cots and highchairs
* Safety equipment including stairgates
* Prams and double buggies
Items are donated by the local community, sorted by volunteers and distributed to families through referrals from partner organisations. The service ensures that no parent has to choose between buying essentials such as nappies and feeding their family.
Preventing Family Poverty Support
Home-Start also works with families experiencing financial hardship and poverty.
Support includes:
* Budgeting and financial guidance
* Help to maximise household income and benefits
* Signposting to debt advice and employment services
* Referrals to foodbanks or other crisis support
* Practical help with housing issues
Who the Charity Supports
Home-Start West Berkshire supports families facing a range of challenges, including:
* Postnatal depression and maternal mental health issues
* Social isolation and loneliness
* Poverty and financial insecurity
* Domestic abuse recovery
* Housing problems
* Parenting challenges or child behavioural difficulties
* Families new to the area without support networks
Broadway House
4-8 The Broadway
Newbury
RG14 1BA
Lambourn has a great community spirit and there are many residents who have offered to help others. We are The Lambourn Community Volunteers and we help with all sorts of tasks from collecting prescriptions to shopping for residents who cannot leave home. We also volunteer at the Lambourn Pharmacy where we assist in organising the COVID vaccinations.
The street by street volunteer network is here to help the Lambourn community. Should you find yourself needing to self-isolate and or someone to pick up some shopping or run a simple errand, contact us on 01488 505050 and we will try find a volunteer to help you.
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