A new chapter for Annahilt as telephone box becomes a library for the village

Members of Annahilt and Magheraconluce Community Association recently unveiled a red telephone box which has been transformed into a library for anyone to use.

Sited at the crossroads in the village, the telephone box was supplied by Wilson’s Yard in Dromore, with funding from Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, as well as from the community association.

The Chairman of the Association, Keith Garbett, thanked everyone who helped to bring the library to the village, including Councillor Andrew Gowan, who was supportive of the project.

He said: “A big thank you to everyone who voted for this project at the Grand Choice event in Drumlough a few months ago — your support made it happen.

"Thanks as well to Wilson’s Yard in Dromore for supplying the phone box, and to Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council who, thanks to the intervention of Councillor Andrew Gowan, helped transport it, carry out improvements, install shelving and a solar light, and put it in place.

"They even went the extra mile by tidying up the paved area with new boards and bark.

"Thank you so much, Andrew, we really appreciate all your hard work in helping to make this happen.

"We hope everyone enjoys swapping, sharing and discovering new books! We think the phone box library is a fantastic addition to our village and a real talking point.”

Anyone can borrow and donate books to the library. Book can be left in the library or donated to members of the community association.

"We'd just ask that the books are left tidy after your visit, so that everyone can enjoy this wonderful addition to our village,” added Keith.

Praising the association for their efforts in bringing the library to Annahilt, Councillor Andrew Gowan said: “The village has enjoyed a community book box for a number of years, inspired by a smaller version I saw in Ballynure and superbly built for us by Drumbo Men’s Shed.

"It proved hugely popular and showed just how much local people value such initiatives.

"The idea for the red phone box came from a conversation between Tom McGrory, who does tremendous voluntary work keeping the village clean and tidy, and I one evening when we were out doing some tidying.

"We both felt it would be a distinctive and welcome addition to the village, complementing our Grey Fergie.

"AMCA were really keen on the suggestion and they successfully secured funding through the Public Participation Grant – Grand Choice, hosted by Lisburn & Castlereagh PCSP, alongside council support and AMCAs own resources.

"The phone box itself was sourced at Wilson’s Yard, and council staff very kindly carried out the fitting and installation.

"Above all, this project is about encouraging a love of reading and learning, while creating a community asset that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

"It’s a small but meaningful example of what can be achieved when local volunteers, community groups and the council work together for the good of the village.

"Annahilt is a great place to live with a strong community spirit and these features add to that.”