Corbett Community Library April newsletter

Spring is in the air, the weather is warming up and it’s a great time to put on your bunny ears and bounce down to the library for a good book!

After much thought we are ditching the Dewey Decimal System, with books now being sorted by emotion: Joy, Suspense, Existential Dread, Romantic Flutter, and more. Pick your mood, grab your library card, and let your feelings do the browsing—reading has never been so emotional. This change will happen on the 1st April also known as April Fools Day!

With lots of new activities coming up in April please read ahead to see what we have on offer. Please also note that we’ll be closed on Monday 6th April for Easter Monday.

Rachel, Ruth and all the CCL Team

INTERVIEW WITH JO (activity leader/volunteer)

What classes do you run? Community Afternoon Tea on Wednesdays from 1:30-3pm, alongside Brian, and Gentle Seated Yoga (watch out for this interview!).

What is Community Afternoon Tea in one sentence? An open, welcoming, safe space for everyone, providing nutritious, homemade food, tea and coffee, sweet treats, and opportunities to meet new people and make friend and connections. We provide nourishment for the body and soul.

Who is it for? All in the community and beyond, particularly those who are lonely and vulnerable. We’re friendly and welcoming with a pretty neurodivergent and diverse group.

Why do you like to do the sessions in this space? Where do I start? The library lends itself to activities like this, it’s organic and makes sense. It feels like if the walls could talk it would be perfect! The space is beautiful with lots of history and lovely volunteers, and is an essential part of the community.

Is there anything else you’d like to say? We’re not oversubscribed, I’d love more people to come! I love feeding them my homemade food! If you’ve heard or seen about this activity and are curious about getting involved, whether through attending or volunteering, don’t be afraid to come along. We’re a laidback, friendly group. This place and the Community Afternoon Tea in particular means a lot to people, from those who attend once to regulars who we always miss when they’re not here. We also have regular listeners, who will lend an ear if you just need to talk to someone.

Fun fact: A favourite game of the group is ‘name that tune’!

Jo also runs Gentle Seated Yoga on Fridays during term time from 12:15-1pm – the sessions are £5 each and well worth attending!

DONATION POINT

We’re delighted to share that we now have a contactless donation terminal!

Supporting us is easier than ever – just pop in, select the amount you’d like to give, and tap your card on the reader.

With around 64,000 visitors each year, even a small contribution from a fraction of you makes a huge difference to keeping the library running.

And to those of you who already donate – thank you. It’s no exaggeration to say we couldn’t stay open without your support.

REMEMBERING TWO AMAZING WOMEN

Hessie Dagg

Frances Rodgers

At our wonderful Thank You event last month, we took the opportunity to recognise and thank everyone who contributes to the library—whether through financial support or by generously giving their time. We would like to follow up by paying special tribute to two remarkable ladies who gave so much to our community and have sadly passed away.

Frances Rodgers supported the library on several occasions, helping to improve our children’s library. She also donated the beautiful silver birch tree that stands proudly at the front of the library and now serves as the centrepiece of our community garden. Frances was awarded a well-deserved MBE for her work in children’s services. A regular visitor, an avid reader, and a steadfast supporter, she will be greatly missed.

Hessie Dagg was a valued member of our team for many years, leading our much-loved ‘Under 5s Singing Group,’ fondly known as ‘Singing with Hessie.’ With her guitar and warm spirit, she brought joy to countless young children every Monday morning over many happy years. She also worked alongside Diane to run our Monday Get Together Group — both of which continue to thrive today.

As Hessie’s health declined, she stepped back from leading the groups but would still join whenever she could. Though she has recently passed, her memory lives on in the happiness she created and the music she shared. She will always be remembered for the joy she brought to so many.

APRIL EVENTS

Gallery SE6 Opening Night

Thursday 16 April 7-9pm

This month Gallery SE6 are hosting local artist Roberta Bonfield. Her opening night with licensed bar is being held on Thursday 16th April. Please join us to see their artwork and have a fun local night out.

Super Sunflower Competition

Saturday 25 April 10-1pm (free)

Calling all green fingered children… come and sow a sunflower to help us brighten our lovely community garden! Once the seeds have germinated we’ll plant them around the library for everyone to enjoy. Don’t forget to stop by to see your sunflower growing – prizes will be given for the tallest ones later in the summer!

Also, linking with this activity, look out for Jackynory: Grow a Garden. Saturday 25 April 11.15 – 12.15

Sound Bath with Gabi

Sunday 12 April 5-6pm

£20, book tickets here.

NEW ACTIVITIES IN APRIL

Sourdough with Dora

Saturday 11 & 25 April 10-1

How amazing to have access to home made sourdough right on your doorstep? Dora will be selling her beautiful sourdough and crackers, at the library, outside if dry, every two weeks 🙂 Stop by, support new business, shop local!

Connecting Mums

Every Monday 1.30 – 3.30 (6wk block starting 13th April)

Hannah is excited to be bringing Connecting Mums sessions to the Corbett Estate from the 13th April every Monday afternoon, 1.30-3.30pm! These sessions are a friendly and supportive space for mums with pre-crawling babies to meet local mums, and the chance to openly share the joys and challenges of motherhood. Sessions are booked in advance in blocks (so mums can build meaningful connections) – please contact Hannah for more details on hannah.connectingmums@gmail.com, and you can find more information on Instagram at connecting_mums.

Djembe Drumming

Wednesdays 3.30 – 4pm (starts 22nd April)

Ready to Drum?

Experience an exciting 30minute high-energy fun of Djembe Drumming! These playful sessions for ages 4 to 12 are the perfect way for children to boost focus, listening skills, and coordination while learning to take turns and play as a team.

No drum? No problem!
The whole house is an instrument. Grab a plastic tub, a wooden spoon, or simply get ready to clap along. Every child can join the beat and be part of the rhythm.

Expect plenty of big smiles, happy hands, and amazing energy!

OTHER BUSINESS

Specialist Window Cleaner required

We’re coming up to our 10-year anniversary and would love to have our spectacular dome professionally cleaned in time for the celebrations!

The job would involve accessing the dome externally, using a ladder onto a flat roof – so we’re looking for an experienced and confident window cleaner who’s up for a bit of a challenge.

If you can recommend someone local, or if this sounds like something you could help with, please get in touch: Rachel@corbettcommunity.org.uk