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_ Time to kill, time to fill, time to chill

Melissa Pedersen and Ann Livingstone met at Rosie’s lunchtime sessions at Southport and look forward to their time together each week.

"It’s chill out day,” says Ann. “We’ve dropped off the kids, done a couple of jobs and now it’s time to relax even if only for a short while.


“Monday is catch-up day where we get to meet new people and now - double bonus – we can get hold of a few books as well!”


Melissa concurs. They are sharing a blanket in the shade with a couple, whom they also met at Rosie’s, and a puppy.


“The kids have left home but I look after the grandkids a lot and that keeps me busy that’s for sure,” she says.


“This street library idea is great. I go to the Southport library a bit but I worry if I’m wearing clothes that draw attention to me.


“Others here would use the library more but they worry about what people think. It’s like the library is someone else’s patch.


“But this here,” she says, sweeping a broad gaze and arm around the gathering, “this is our patch.


“We can relax here. We get to know one other, we build trust in each other.”


Ann is interested in Pokémon and anime books for her daughter.


“She wants to learn Japanese,” Ann says.


“She missed out on taking the subject in early high school and now she’s in Year 11 it’s a bit late to take it up at school. I’m looking about for some courses … but they cost a bit.


“Anime is sort of a comic, like the Phantom and Dick Tracey ones I read when I was young.


“There are a few people who like comics, especially those who don’t read well. How about getting some more of those?”


We’re on it, Ann.


Ann likes westerns and left happy with a half a dozen titles.


Melissa is more into Stephen King.


“You know: mystery, horror that sort of thing,” she said.


“The King one I got here last week is great. It’s full of separate stories that all link in one way or another. I like that because I can’t concentrate for too long.


“This Street Library will be good for many people. Homeless people have a lot of time on their hands. If they can fill some of it with reading, it might keep them from drinking and other things.


“I wish you luck in extending it to other areas. People will appreciate it.”


BELOW:Melissa Pedersen (left) and Ann Livingstone enjoy their weekly chats in the shade at Southport.



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