Libraries in North Dorset

recommended NDN searches: [libraries]

The outlook for thirteen rural libraries in Dorset in 2006, including Stalbridge, looked worrying. But after a 10,000 signature petition, and some lobbying, they remain open. More volunteer labour is in use and opening hours are more restricted, but they are surviving.

The mainNorth Dorset libraries are listed here.
 

Bookshops in and around North Dorset

recommended NDN searches: [bookshops]

There are a number of independent bookshops in and around North Dorset which are worth travelling to. There are also W H Smiths (Shaftesbury, Dorchester, Blandford), if you count them,  Ottakars (Dorchester) and Waterstones (Salisbury).

And if you have to use Amazon (its OK, we understand), then at least do so via Amazon affiliate The Slade Centre, so that a few pence reverts to the local economy.

Reading Groups in and around North Dorset

There are reading groups based at Blandford, Stalbridge and Sherborne libraries, and most of these are open to new members. There are also (allegedly) small groups based in Child Okeford*, Chetnole (01935 872093), Sixpenny Handley (the nicely titled Ladies Who Read 01725 553020), Shaftesbury Arts Centre (01747 851619) and Blandford* . These are small groups and they may or may not be open to new members.

There are also school reading groups at Gillingham School and Sherborne School.

* no contact details available

northdorset.net aims to encourage residents and visitors to North Dorset to do more locally - find good food and drink locally, source services locally, support local enterprises, make like-minded contacts locally, be entertained locally.