The Thomas Poole Library

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The Thomas Poole Library The Thomas Poole Library works in partnership with the Somerset Library Service He took over the tanning business and was also a farmer.

Tom Poole was born in 1765, the eldest son of a tanner, and one of a large respected local family. He had little formal education, but was no country bumpkin. Well-read, enquiring, and outspoken, Poole was regarded as a radical and was branded ‘the most dangerous person in the country’ by the government officials. Despite this he was a welcome guest at the houses of the country gentry. Poole’s legacy to Nether Stowey is profound. He worked tirelessly on behalf of the poor and employed many local people. He was a magistrate, supported the Sunday School movement, and in 1806 established the Stowey Female Friendly Society to aid women in times of sickness and distress. Every year members processed through the village for a church service, a custom that continues today. Poole funded and built the village school in 1812-13 on land in his tanyard. It was one of the first free schools in the country, offering vital education for up to 200 children and is now part of the library building. Poole was devoted to Samuel Coleridge who was an English poet of the Romantic Movement and possibly best known for his allegorical sea-faring poem, "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner”. Coleridge lived for a time in Nether Stowey and continually escaped from the domestic chaos of his Lime Street cottage to the peaceful sanctuary of Poole’s Castle Street book room. Here the Wordsworths, Charles Lamb and other literary men of the day met to talk and exchange ideas. Faithful and constant, Poole wrote ‘By you, Coleridge, I will always stand, in sickness and health’.

16/10/2026

The Thomas Poole Library will be closed on Monday 19th October and Wednesday 21st October for carpet fitting.
We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

Nether Stowey Arts Evenings
A Mini-Festival at The Thomas Poole LibrarySebastian Tesouro in Concert - Sebastian Tesouro ...
14/10/2026

Nether Stowey Arts Evenings
A Mini-Festival at The Thomas Poole Library

Sebastian Tesouro in Concert - Sebastian Tesouro is a resident of Sampford Brett. Argentinian by birth, he has travelled the world with a violin in his rucksack. He is fast gaining a huge reputation in the area as a multi-talented musician with a relaxed manner and huge natural charm. 

Wednesday 4th November
7pm for 7:30pm
at the Thomas Poole library

12/10/2026

Halloween Crafts at the Thomas Poole Library
Saturday 24th October
10:30 - 12:00

And we’ve got loads of spooky books to get you into the Halloween “spirit!”

10/10/2026

Our Author of the Month is Michael Morpurgo, the award-winning creator of War Horse.

Check out a selection of his work in the children’s section of the library, as well as hundreds of other amazing books for younger readers!

09/10/2026

06/10/2026

Our Read Me selection for October is celebrating spooky season, so why not pick up a scary story to keep you awake as the nights get darker…?

04/10/2026

Free drop-in IT support sessions at the Thomas Poole Library.
The next session is Wednesday 7th of October from 10.30 - 12.00.
Smartphones, laptops, tablets - if you have a query or a problem, come along and speak to our knowledgeable volunteers for help and reassurance!

02/10/2026

Nether Stowey Primary School Art Competition!

Years 3, 4 and 5 have created amazing art based on the theme “Thunderstorm.”

The prizes will be vouchers for art materials, and have been generously donated by Nether Stowey Art Group and Nether Stowey and Over Stowey Parish Councils.

Pop into the library and take a closer look!

OCTOBER’S MONTHLY TALK - THE BOOK CHAIN BY RACHAEL WONGWednesday 7th October, 7.30pm at the Thomas Poole Library, Nether...
28/09/2026

OCTOBER’S MONTHLY TALK - THE BOOK CHAIN BY RACHAEL WONG

Wednesday 7th October, 7.30pm at the Thomas Poole Library, Nether Stowey

A story of friendship, loss, love and rediscovery — and the fascinating journey behind the writing of a novel.

Join author Rachael Wong for a special evening exploring both The Book Chain and the journey behind its creation.

Discover how an idea becomes a novel, how fact and fiction can be woven together, and what happens when two very different lives become connected across time.

There will also be w**e, making this a relaxed and sociable evening for anyone who enjoys books, writing, history or simply a good story.

Entrance:
£5 for non-members
£4 for charity members

You can book your tickets by using the link below;
https://www.thomaspoolelibrary.org.uk/events/the-book-chain/
or by email [email protected]
or by calling the library on 07734 968940

25/09/2026

Your local library provides 100% FREE ACCESS to physical books, audio books, computers, Wi-Fi, and so much more.

Apply for your free library card and find out for yourself.

Address

Castle Street, Nether Stowey
Bridgwater
TA51LN

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 1pm
Wednesday 10am - 1pm
Thursday 3:30pm - 6:30pm
Friday 10am - 1pm
2pm - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 1pm

Telephone

+441278732741

Website

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