Organisation and settling in to a new home is much more than simply unpacking possessions and arranging furniture.

Last week we joined the local library. It is not a Council-run public library, but rather, an independent community library which is run entirely by volunteers. Membership is $30/year. The opening hours are limited – 2pm to 4pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday as well as a few hours on Saturday morning.

The Maldon Athenaeum Library is located in the Mechanic’s Institute building in High Street.

This photo of the exterior is not mine as there are no leaves on the trees at this time of the year but the rest is entirely accurate.

Likewise, this photo of part of the interior.

I borrowed this book by Michelle Obama last week and finished reading it this morning. It had been on my ‘to read’ list for some time and I found it most interesting and illuminating.

Of course, borrowing books is not the only service offered by the library. I discovered that there is a small group of Scrabble players who play at the long table in the front room. I played on Saturday and am looking forward to making this a regular event.

We are planning to get involved and volunteer with this great organisation.