St John Guernsey LBG, the Charity, has announced the impending closure of its Community Library Service which will take place on 20th May 2025. The St John Community Library, which specialises in large print books, was first established in 1949 initially operating from the homes of volunteers and then a small hut at the St John headquarters before moving to its current home adjacent to the St John training hall.
The library was originally established to provide books for sick and wounded servicemen in hospital and while the service has evolved over time, it always stayed true to its motto ‘to every patient the book he wants’ and in 2014 it won the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
In their efforts to identify the current needs of the local community, the St John Guernsey Charity realised that it may no longer be best placed to continue offering this service. Chief Executive Officer, Heather Langlois, said ‘In our community there are over 650 charities all vying for the same funding and volunteers. This fact alone encouraged us to explore areas within our own organisation where we could make efficiencies that would ensure a more impactful and accessible service for users while also removing any duplication of service within the charitable sector.’
‘This period of exploration resulted in a new relationship with the Guille-Allès Library for which we are extremely grateful. After many conversations we have decided that the Guille-Allès Library, an organisation committed to enriching lives and boosting wellbeing throughout the community, is best placed to continue providing this service. Their knowledge, experience, and infrastructure, coupled with their preexisting collection of large print books, will ensure that this service continues to be delivered in a way that meets the changing needs of our community. This will also allow the St John Guernsey Charity to continue to grow its youth programme, first aid in school programme and train even more first aid volunteers for community events.’
Over the next few months, the St John Guernsey Charity will work with their library members helping them to transition to the Guille-Allès Library while simultaneously working with volunteers to help them do the same. The St John Charity’s collection of books will be made available to their library members to keep as a way of ensuring they have a wide selection of reading material to carry them through this transition period, whilst also helping to keep the memory of the St John Library alive. The St John Guernsey Charity would like to thank every volunteer who has given their time to the library over the years for without them, the library would not have touched the lives of so many in our community.
Media enquiries should be addressed to Heather Langlois, CEO, St John Guernsey Charity. heather.langlois@stjohn.gg
International Women’s Day celebrates the achievements, resilience, and contributions of women across all walks of life. The theme for 2025 is gender equality. Gender equality in the workplace and across voluntary organisations fosters diverse perspectives, enhances innovation, and ensures fair opportunities for everyone to thrive. We are proud to champion gender equality and to inspire continued progress towards a brighter, fairer tomorrow.
When women’s contributions and participation are valued, communities are strengthened, and greater progress and opportunities prevail.
Today is an opportunity to celebrate the contribution of the many women in our organisation, from our volunteers to our CEO. You continue to inspire us every day and we could not be more grateful for each one of you.
For International Women’s Day this year we have chosen to shine a light on Matilda, one woman who has spent the majority of her life serving her community by volunteering for St. John Guernsey LBG.
Matilda is one of our newest adult volunteers, but with a great St John history.
Matilda began her St John journey as a Badger when she was 6 years old. She was awarded Badger of the Year and earned her Super Badger Award in 2016. At 10 years old, she moved up to Cadets where she worked her way through the ranks, finally being promoted to Sergeant.
In July of 2023 Matilda provided first aid cover during the Island Games working professionally alongside St John members from the UK and Australia and in June of 2024, Matilda was awarded her Grand Prior Award, the ultimate Cadet achievement demonstrating commitment, compassion, and self-improvement. From September 2023 to September 2024, Matilda served as a Lieutenant-Governor’s Cadet representing St John Guernsey LBG and as part of her duties, she had the opportunity to meet their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Finally, in November 2024, Matilda was one of two St John Guernsey Cadets invited to attend the St John Young Achievers Reception in London, where she had an opportunity to speak with HRH The Princess Royal.
As an adult volunteer, Matilda is currently undergoing training to become an Operational First Aider and is a Youth Helper with our Badgers and Cadets.
Matilda’s commitment to, and passion for, St John is not only commendable, but inspiring. She is a bright light in both our organisation and community, and we can’t wait to continue supporting her on her journey!
