THE Friends of Crediton Library (FoCL) held its second Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Monday, February 27 at the library.

FoCL reported on a second successful year and have built up their membership to 36 members who receive regular updates on what the group is doing, and who support FoCL with donations of books for book sales, and contributions of food and drink when required, for refreshments at events.

FoCL held three book sales at the Farmers’ Market. These sales are very popular and not only raise funds, but maintain the profile of the Friends in the community, provide networking opportunities, and help to recruit new Friends.

One outcome of these sales has been the purchase of sturdier tables on which to display books for future sales.

The Friends is pleased to have been able to provide funds to enable Crediton Library to purchase a substantial amount of Lego to start up a Lego Club, which runs every Monday afternoon after school, and is attracting 20 to 25 children every week.

Activities during the Summer Reading Challenge have also been supported by the Friends and it was gratifying that such a large number of children signed up initially, and then went on to complete the challenge.

Two major events have been hosted by FoCL in the past year, a Murder Mystery evening in July which was attended by 30 guests and the second when Robin Ravilious, the widow of the renowned photographer James Ravilious, gave a talk about her late husband’s work. This event attracted a large audience of more than 70 people.

The success of the Ravilious event highlighted the need for the Friends current fundraising project and the group is hoping to install black-out blinds and buy a digital projector, screen, laptop and PA system for the library to attract speakers for talks and presentations and to host film nights.

FoCL successfully bid for £1,600 from the Investors in Dev- on fund to which the Friends will add £400 from its funds.

The elected officers Julie Maddison - Chair, Maggie Stewart - Treasurer and Judith Ezard - Secretary, agreed to stand for one more year.

The next AGM will be held on Monday, February 28, 2018.

In the coming year the Friends hope to continue to attract more people to join them and support the library.