“Significant increase” in young people taking out library books

Wednesday 01 June 2022

New figures from the Guille-Allès Children's Library show a significant increase in the number of young people taking out books thanks to support from the Sarah Groves Foundation.

The Foundation donated £50,000 to the redevelopment of the Children's Library in St Peter Port. Since it reopened, children's book loans increased by 32% in the first year.

Managing Trustee, Vic Groves, said the mission of the Foundation is to "fulfil Sarah’s ambition in life: to enhance young lives".

"This Library is a wonderful place exclusively for the benefit of children. As the lead sponsor, we are committed to seeing this library benefit the community for years to come,” said Mr Groves.

"It means a tremendous amount that the main room carries Sarah's name. We often ask 'what would Sarah think?' There's still a lot of love for her on this island and I think she would be absolutely staggered to see all these things in her name. It's quite remarkable."

Pictured: Vic Groves said the Children's Library "is a wonderful place exclusively for the benefit of children".

The Children's Library has also provided a boost to other areas of the Guille-Allès Library.

In the first year since the redevelopment, visitor numbers increased by 8% to over 160,000 people. New members were up 13%. And total loans increased by 20%. 

Cornelia James, Chief Librarian, said: "The new Children's Library is a magical space that has helped inspire a love of reading in so many young islanders. 

"The impact of the redevelopment cannot be overstated and it's down to the support of the Sarah Groves Foundation and everyone else who has helped make this project a reality."

More information about the Sarah Groves Foundation is available HERE