Local history volunteers at Bexhill Library
Joan and Ann had joined Bexhill Library Friends Group, and wanted to find out what practical help they could give their library.
Lack of space at the library means that a large proportion of local history material is kept behind closed doors. Building on their previous experience volunteering at Bexhill museum, they offered to help make the library’s local history collection more accessible to visitors.
Joan and Ann said "we feel that the preservation of our history is essential as it is our legacy to the next generation. A wealth of diverse and important memories are often lost when people die, and the recording of these memories is essential."
Joan and Ann began by sorting out a collection of photographs by Francis Frith. They relished the challenge of using their extensive local knowledge and research skills to identify and index each of the photos, until just a few unidentified pictures remained.
Now more visitors can browse and use the photos. The reference and local studies staff can respond to enquiries much more quickly, as the time needed for research has been cut dramatically.
Joan and Ann have now started work on improving the presentation of the library's postcard collection.
They have enjoyed using skills learned in their professional lives and recommend local history voluntary work.
They say "the more help that people are able to give in helping to preserve this irreplaceable store of information, then the better our historical local heritage is preserved for future generations. It has certainly kept our minds very active."
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