From left, artist Jayne Woodbridge and community project officer Maria Coupe.
Our library service was successful in its bid for £88,000 of government cash to widen participation and volunteering in local groups and events as a way to build networks that benefit individual residents and the whole community.
The money came from the Department for Culture, Media and Sports’ “Know Your Neighbourhood” fund.
The work in Bolsover – and now Shirebrook – focuses on encouraging people to get out to their local library – even if they’ve rarely been before – get to know their community, and try out free activities, groups and events.
Bolsover Library Connects launched in June 2024. Led by Community Project Officer Maria Coupe, library staff worked alongside the local community and knowledgeable local organisations to create activities that people want and need.
They included cafés, talks, sensory play for babies, reading groups, crafts and workshops for residents of all ages. It’s hoped that, once established, these groups will be led by local people and carry on long after the government money has been spent - leaving a lasting legacy.
Upcoming events at Bolsover include a series of workshops to create a piece of art out of tiles which have been made, decorated and painted by members of the community. People can decorate them how they want, but it is hoped they will draw inspiration from what stands out about Bolsover for them. The group is working with artist Jayne Woodbridge, who will then arrange and set the tiles ready to be hung in the library as a lasting celebration of Bolsover.
Shirebrook Library Connects launched on Monday 25 November 2024. Some of the activities already planned at Shirebrook include Bubbles & Babies sensory play - initially running once a week for 4 weeks; and Loosen Up with Laughter, on Tuesday 3 December 2024, using laughter to relieve stress and improve wellbeing. And lots more activities will be planned, again working with residents and local groups.
Information on upcoming opportunities are shared on Derbyshire Libraries Facebook page, and promoted widely in the local area. Or people can contact the libraries directly or the Community Project Officer Maria Coupe, email maria.coupe@derbyshire.gov.uk to find out more.
Local residents are encouraged to go along to any of the activities that appeal to them. Library staff understand that some people may not have been to library events before, and may not know what to expect, but they can chat to friendly staff to find out more, drop in and get involved as much or as little as they are comfortable with. There is no pressure to join in.
Or if anyone would like to volunteer or to help out with the project, the library would love people to get in touch. Maybe people have ideas for groups they’d like to start themselves.
Derbyshire County Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Leadership, Culture, Tourism and Climate Change, Councillor Barry Lewis, said:
“We’ve always aimed to have our libraries at the heart of the areas they serve, so I welcome these Library Connects initiatives making it possible for us to reach out to even more local people – providing them with links and new friends and activities that make them feel a real part of their community.
“The learning from this project can also be used to shape library activities in other parts of the county, and we hope to roll similar projects out for the benefit of residents across Derbyshire.”