Sandown Town Council is delighted to announce the official opening of a beautifully restored 1930s telephone box from Sandown Railway Station, which has been transformed into a community library for residents and visitors to enjoy.
The restoration project has been made possible through the dedication and hard work of Stephen Partridge and Mark Gray of Sandown Town Council, together with the support of Dempsey’s Isle of Wight, who kindly assisted with the delivery and relocation of the historic kiosk. Project Management was provided by Councillor Debbie Andre and PCSO Ashley Webb, helping to bring this community initiative to life.
The restored telephone box was officially opened by Deputy Mayor Councillor Joan Solomon, who welcomed the latest addition to the Broadway Centre and praised the collaborative effort behind the project.
The new library is expected to be widely used by Broadway Centre community groups, residents, and visitors. An array of books has been generously donated by Town Clerk Jennifer Armstrong, providing a varied selection for readers of all ages. Residents are encouraged to borrow, exchange, and donate books to keep the collection fresh and diverse, with a particular need for children’s books.
Speaking about the project, Sandown Town Council said:
“We are thrilled to see this historic telephone box given a new lease of life at the heart of our community. This wonderful project preserves an important piece of local heritage whilst creating an accessible reading resource for everyone to enjoy.”
The initiative is particularly timely as 2026 has been designated National Reading Year, highlighting the importance of literacy, learning, and a lifelong love of reading. The council hopes the library will encourage more people, especially children and families, to discover the enjoyment and benefits of books. This unique library is a wonderful addition to the Broadway Centre and demonstrates how historic community assets can be repurposed to meet modern needs while enriching local life.
