Welcome to the Friends of Freshwater Library (FOFL)

Friends of Freshwater Library is an independent voluntary group who support and aim to preserve our beautiful library and community asset in Freshwater; the only Isle of Wight Council library service in the West Wight.

FOFL was founded initially in 2012 as a campaigning body to save the library in response to a threat of closure.  In June 2019 FOFL was honoured to receive the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK. 

We directly support our fabulous local library by running monthly events, running a local community cinema in the library on a big screen, selling retail items such as local calendars and tea towels, arranging talks and varied programme of events and most importantly by procuring and organising a team of volunteers who help run the library by committing to a weekly half day session. This is vital, as the library service now only employs one person and it depends on voluntary help from the community to survive. We passionately care about the future of the library in the heart of the village and the community. The ownership and maintenance of the library has recently passed from the Isle of Wight Council to Freshwater Parish Council.

The library was built in 1939 and since then has made effective and lasting difference to the local community by being a safe and warm place to meet other people, seek advice, borrow books, magazines, films etc. FOFL aim to build on this strength by ensuring that it thrives to serve the community around it.

Friends of Freshwater Library, (FOFL), was formed in 2012 to save this library from closure and to revitalize it by increasing its offering to the local community.  Many more services and resources are now being offered within the library to change for the better the lives of the local community.  FOFL has over 200 local, paid up members supporting their efforts.  There is a committee of 5 people with a range of talent and expertise.

You are very welcome to come to our diverse range of events whether you are a member or not. There is something for everyone – whether talks, cinema or music.

Please check out our forthcoming entertainments on the shop Page.

Make A Difference

We are determined to keep Freshwater Library alive and thriving in the centre of our community.

We aim to increase its use by people of all ages.

This wonderful New England style building has been a library and valuable community asset in our village for over 75 years. We must support it, improve it and keep it central to Freshwater and West Wight life – for everyone.

We value your time, support and help in this important task. If you’d like to make a donation, click on this link.  Please Help.

FOFL Membership

You can become a member of FOFL by joining the group for just £3 per annum. Membership ensures that you get regular updates of events and a reduction on some ticket prices.

To join FOFL please Click Here.