There’s something about a bus journey that makes it far easier to lose yourself in a book than a car ever could – no travel sickness, just time to get through a chapter or two on the way to school or work. So we’re taking a look at the libraries along the Daffodil Line route, and everything they offer beyond the bookshelves.
Your local library is far more than a place to borrow a book. There’s research, local history and a good page-turner, alongside free computers and Wi-Fi, help getting online, and a genuine social hub of author talks, poetry readings, craft sessions and children’s activities. They’re calm, welcoming spaces too: research published by The Guardian found library users report higher life satisfaction than non-users, and estimated that regular library use saves the NHS close to £30 million a year. And borrowing instead of buying is kinder to your bookshelf, your wallet and the planet.
Here we’ve rounded up some of what’s on offer at each library along the route:
Ross-on-Wye Library
Ross Library is located just opposite the bus stops on Cantilupe Road, so it is very easily accessible for bus users. It sits on the grounds originally occupied by Ross-on-Wye’s Board School or Council School, and is housed in a modern building that’s bright and welcoming.
Ross Library offers a wide range of services for all ages. There is a lovely children’s area towards the back of the library where a number of regular children’s activities take place. Some of its regular events include Booktrust Storytime for under 5s, Stay and Play sessions, Digital Café, Lego Club and Hobby Hive.
If you’re after some quiet, there are peaceful areas for studying and reading, and a bookable meeting space. It also has a self-service hot drinks machine located near a comfortable seating and sofa area.
Closed on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Address: 7 Cantilupe Rd, Ross-on-Wye, HR9 7AN
Tel: 01432 383 280
Email: rosslibrary@herefordshire.gov.uk
Web: www.herefordshire.gov.uk/directories/libraries-directory/ross-on-wye-library
Newent Library
You are bound to find a warm and friendly welcome at Newent Library. It is conveniently located for bus travel, just a moment’s walk along the high street from our main bus stop in Newent. It also offers cycle racks, and has ramped access with automatic doors.
A number of regular groups and clubs are held at Newent Library including: Baby Bounce and Rhyme, Story time, Book Club, Craft and Chat, Computer Buddy and a Family History Club, along with services by Citizens Advice and Age UK.
There are daily crafts for children available, cosy seating areas, desks for reading and studying, and a bookable meeting space. Outside, you’ll also find a beautiful courtyard garden, accessed through the library building, with seats, tables, planters, and even a mud kitchen!
Closed on Sundays.
Address: Newent Library, High Street Newent, GL18 1AS
Tel: 01531 820 447
Email: ntlib@gloucestershire.gov.uk
Website: www.gloslibraries.uk/library/newent-library
Ledbury Library
Ledbury Library is uniquely housed in the historic 15th-century Master’s House building, part of the wider St Katherine’s complex, in the centre of Ledbury. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from Ledbury Market House, where the Daffodil Line bus stops. And it’s home to the Dymock Poets Collection and a John Masefield archive and display case.
Ledbury Library offers a modern and welcoming service as well as regular events and activities such as Shared Reading with Julia, adult read-aloud sessions (sponsored by Ledbury Library Development Group), Stay and Play for under 5s, Digital Café drop-in help (Wyvern Age Concern) and Hobby Hive craft sessions. The Group also sponsors evening events, including readings and meet-the-author sessions. The library has also recently started a Tablet Computer loan service.
Ledbury Library has disabled access, a hot drinks machine, and an outside courtyard area for sitting and reading, as well as many historical features including a Victorian Room.
The Master’s House itself is an extraordinary building. It has been at the heart of Ledbury life for more than 500 years, starting life as a home for the Master of St Katherine’s Hospital. It was most recently restored and redeveloped between 2011 and 2015 so it could return to its place at the centre of the community. Now, on the first Wednesday of the month from March to October, there is a full guided tour of both floors of the building.
Closed on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Address: The Master’s House, St Katherine’s, HR8 1EA
Tel: 01432 383 499
Email: ledburylibrary@herefordshire.gov.uk
Website: www.herefordshire.gov.uk/directories/libraries-directory/ledbury-library
However you spend your afternoon, a stop at your local library is a lovely way to start or end a day out on the bus.
