Last chapter as librarian retires after two decades

THE librarian for Sonning Common has retired after 20 years.

Rosemary Dunstan, 67, said: “I have enjoyed 99 per cent of my job but it’s time to go. I have other things to do before I get too old.”

She has seen many changes at the library in Grove Road, including digital upgrades, as well as cuts in staff and an attempt to close it in 2010 to save money.

Mrs Dunstan, of Birch Close, Sonning Common, said: “When I started there were three members of staff and now there’s just me.

“We changed the furniture and there is a new counter and a self-
service.”

Library users can now borrow audio books and eBooks as well as traditional paper ones.

Mrs Dunstan said: “People say, ‘Oh, I don’t read books, I have a Kindle’ but you can actually borrow eBooks from the library. During lockdown, that service increased tremendously.”

Other aspects have remained the same.

Mrs Dunstan said: “I started in 2003. It’s still the same yellow colour, the shelving is the same and there might actually be a few books still here from 2003.”

She attended Lougborough University and took a course in library studies in the Seventies.

She worked for Berkshire Libraries and then ran the scholastic bookshop at Sonning Common Primary School, which started in 1997 and still takes place every Wednesday.

She thanked the volunteers from the Friends of Sonning Common Library for their support.

The group was set up to protect the library when it was threatened with closure in 1998.

“They helped to save the library and bought it furniture and books,” said Mrs Dunstan.

“The library moved from a portable cabin into the school. It was going to be closed and then replaced by a mobile library but the headteacher offered a building. Those mobile libraries went six years ago. One or two of the original Friends remain but it is now a fresh younger group.”

In 2010 Oxfordshire County Council announced plans to close the library as part of cost-cutting measures affecting 20 of the 43 libraries in the county.

Mrs Dunstan recalled: “There was a new round of cuts and to keep Goring and Henley libraries open they wanted to close Sonning Common. I was happy there was such an outcry about it.

“In the end, they decided to get rid of half of the staff and replace them with volunteers.

“We couldn’t stay open without the volunteers — I do really appreciate them. They are very active and the money they have raised has gone towards books and furnishings.

“I feel very fortunate as some of the bigger libraries don’t have a close relationship with the people who use them. I love the library and being there.

“But we were paid by the hour and we are not given any overtime remunerations.

“Ten years ago, that would be fine but over time the workload has increased and the pay has not. The hobbies I used to be able to do 10 years ago I could no longer do with the outside hours of library work.”

Mrs Dunstan said she had enjoyed watching children she helped grow up over the years. She said: “There is always room for more children to be interested in the library.

“On Tuesdays the library is open to the school and I gave lessons on how to use it.

“The scary thing is you remember the children who came into the library when they were younger and now they come in with their children.”

Mrs Dunstan said retirement would give her the chance to focus on her interests, especially walking.

In May last year, she completed her 20th walking challenge for charity in the Highlands.

She said: “I would like to go walking more and take a holiday when I like and not be worried about who will cover me when I am gone.

“I would like to do more of the things I used to do, like crafts and knitting. I’ve also got to do some gardening because my husband doesn’t.

“People have told me to have three months of not doing anything and not to rush into volunteering for things until I find out what retirement is like, so that’s what I am going to do.”

On her last day before Christmas, Mrs Dunstan was given a special send-off.

“I knew something was going on,” she said. “I turned up at 10am to find my manager sitting on the settee and I thought, ‘Uh oh’. There were a lot more people here than I was expecting and lots of cards. I was quite moved.”

Simon Lay, operations manager for Oxfordshire Libraries, said: “Rosemary has been the cornerstone of our library in Sonning Common for many years and has built up a wonderful relationship with both the school and village community.

“We wish her all the best for a long and happy retirement and look forward to seeing her in the library as a customer.”

Alison Smith, who chairs the Friends of Sonning Common Library, said: “Rosemary has always given her extra time freely to promote the library and you could take for granted seeing her at stands at fetes and the village day. It was not in her job description but she was always happy to do it.

“She has such a great knowledge of all the local residents and was always ready with recommendations when you had that sinking feeling after finishing a book or series.

“She was great with children’s recommendations as well and knows what kids at certain ages will like.

“She was a calming presence in the library and will be missed.”

Mrs Dunstan has been replaced by Juliet Legg, who lives in Lambourne Road, Sonning Common.