Newton Abbot is home. My home town for nearly 60 years so I am used to it. I love some of the architecture. It is special. It has always been there and it hold my roots,my memories and a sense of permanence that is me.
One of the places that makes me feel this way is the library.The Passmore Edwards Building.
My goodness it has changed so much over the years but it still looks exactly the same from the outside.
Lately it has undergone a complete refurbishment and I decided to pop in to have a look.
WOW!
Gone are the fuddy duddy rows of shelves full of books!
The children's section is behind glass doors so no shouts of silence echo these halls!
A place to browse and check you have the right books to inspire!
Well I was happy to have a good look at the shelf devoted to Craft Books and I am loving my choices so far!
The Gentle Art of Knitting by Jnae Brocket-- Well anyone who talks of knitting and a glass of wine has got to be a serious read!
Simple Knits for Easy Living by Erica K.night
First Crochet by Lesley Stanfield.
And because the summer is slipping away and Autumn days will soon be here.
100 Jams,jellies,preserves and pickles by Gloria Nicol.
I had forgotten how good it is to sit and just gently browse through a book realising fully that you may only embark on one project. You may only try one recipe, but this feeling is not accompanied by the frustration that you know you will never try many more. The huge blanket all made from single crochet and knowing full well the book has cost as much as the wool.
And of course these days you can serve yourself with the latest wizardry and renew your books-- up to 12 at a time online! So no more sweating about overdue fines!
So I do not know what Passmore Edwards would think to the new library.
But I am seriously impressed.
If you would like to read a bit more about him and his gift to the town of Newton Abbot have a look here.
I think he understood what was needed in a good town like Newton Abbot and I am glad his legacy continues to grow and develop in these modern times!