About us
A SHORT HISTORY
We've been operating as a local independent charity since 2012 and we are located right at the heart of the village of Haddenham. We provide a bright and welcoming unique space for connecting and learning, offering services to all sections of the community. We offer the traditional services of a public library together with free access to a wide range of information, use of public computers, recreational activities and e-learning opportunities. Our library is accessible, welcoming and family friendly. Our manager and a team of volunteers are just waiting to help you!
You don't have to be member of the library to enjoy what we offer and our services are open to everyone.
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Children's Library
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We refurbished our children's library in 2017 with the help of our donors and friends. It has been very successful and we are continuing to improve the rest of the library.
MISSION STATEMENT
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To provide an accessible, welcoming, family-friendly and vibrant modern library fit for the 21st century.
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To achieve this mission, Haddenham Community Library intends to offer traditional library services and to engage with the community in order to provide additional services which provide access to information, promote life-long learning and support wellbeing.
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In order to achieve this, the trustees will focus on sustainability (financial and human resources), maintain and develop a network of strategic partners and stakeholders, maximise the benefits of highly motivated and well-trained staff and volunteers.
MEET OUR TRUSTEES
The Management Committee responsible for running the charity is made up of all the Director/Trustees plus a Library Manager . The Management Committee meets once every month.
The Director/Trustees give their time voluntarily and receive no benefits from the charity outside those generally available to all beneficiaries i.e. the provision of a library service in the community.
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Changes to Trustee Group
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There have been several changes to the trustee group over the last year as new trustees have joined the board and some sadly stepped down.
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Susan Toner has stepped down from the role of Chair after four years in the role. Luckily she is continuing as a trustee.​​
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Lorna Watson has taken on the role of Chair, Tom Hobbs is now Treasurer and Robyn Cook Company Secretary.​
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We welcome Laura Street, Catherine Porter, Caroline Davies, Denise Webb and Erin Rushton to the Trustee Board.​​
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Erin Rushton has joined the Board of Trustees from August 2025. Erin is a qualified librarian and her current role is Head of Archive at the National Theatre. She will bring a range of relevant experience to the Board.
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As Trustees, the directors are responsible for producing an annual report for the Charity Commission, the latest copy of which can be viewed on the Charity Commission's website.
View our latest Annual Report here.
The current Director/Trustees are:
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Lorna Watson (Chair)
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Tom Hobbs (Treasurer)
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Robyn Cook (Company Secretary)
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Susan Toner
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Denise Webb
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Caroline Davies
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Catherine Porter
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Laura Street
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Erin Rushton
PARTNERS AND DONORS
Our Partners include our Library Managers and volunteers. Haddenham Community Library operates in association with Bucks Library Service, which provides books and software.
To get in touch with our manager please send an email to
info@haddenhamcommunitylibrary.org.uk
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Our Donors
Our key donor is Haddenham Parish Council. We receive a small monetary contribution from Buckinghamshire Council. We also receive donations from a variety of village organisations including the Village Fete, Haddenham Diwali, Haddenham Beer Festival Trust, Haddenham Lodge No 8944, Haddenham Lodge No 1629 and Haddenham Mummers. As charity there is an ongoing need to find funds to cover overheads and maintain reserves and allow for future investment in HCL's services.
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The Trustees would like to thank all the organisations without whose generous contributions it would not be possible to maintain a library service in Haddenham.
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We also partner with other local organisations to provide mutually beneficial services to our local communities.