Island Dignitaries Visit Shanklin Library To Launch Book Bank And Honour Volunteer

The Isle of Wight’s Lord Lieutenant, Susie Sheldon, and High Sheriff, Jacqueline Gazzard, have visited Shanklin Community Library to launch a new Bay Book Bank initiative, unveil a special ‘Play in the Bay’ information panel, and mark the retirement of a long-serving volunteer.

The new information panel, researched by students from local schools, highlights the history of the town, including the development of Shanklin since the 1860s and details about local sports personality Dickie Davies.

The visit also marked a return for Mrs Sheldon, whose first engagement as Lord Lieutenant was at Falcon Cross Hall during the planning stages of the Community Library.

She later returned to officially open the facility and took part in VE Day 80 events in 2025, even joining volunteers for a netball match.

Lord Lieutenant Susie Sheldon said:

“It's always a delight to pop back to Shanklin, particularly to see the work of volunteers promoting the National Year of Reading, including school readers, library helpers and those, across the generations, that use Libraries for an imaginative and innovative range of services and resources.”

High Sheriff Jacque Gazzard added:

“There is so much going on at the Library, and in Falcon Cross Hall, using these community locations to celebrate local heritage, display designs for the school book bag project, or donate books, is an invaluable and inspiring use of the amenity - with the information panel highlighting the history of the site.”

During the visit, the dignitaries joined local councillors, library volunteers, members of Shanklin VYCC and Scouts to surprise retiring Community Library Co-ordinator Maria Darbon.

She was presented with a specially made book, a retirement card created by pupils from Gatten & Lake, a gift known as Elsie the Literacy Champion “Gonk”, and a book-themed cake.

Mrs Sheldon concluded:

“The Island's community are fortunate to have wealth of volunteers that make a real difference.

"Seeing baby Lola Biddlecombe visiting the Children's section, is really heartening for the future, with reading, in all of its forms, bring joy and knowledge to all.”