https://www.librariesunlimited.org.uk/

Libraries Unlimited believes in enabling everyone to connect to and explore the wider world. We offer welcoming spaces throughout Devon and Torbay which give everyone access to books and a wealth of digital resources, as well as free computer use and WiFi connection. With hundreds of active groups and a year-round calendar of events, we encourage and support everyone to realise their potential and improve their health and wellbeing. By supporting our customers we build communities, enriching lives with ideas, information and inspiration.

Libraries Unlimited is the charity which runs 54 public libraries across Devon and Torbay serving a population of around 1.1 million, and with a membership of around 130,000.

The ‘Libraries for Life’ warm bank campaign was developed in response to the increasing challenges faced by their local communities, and forms part of the national ‘warm welcome’ campaign.

As part of this campaign, they implemented many projects and extra provisions to reach the most vulnerable in their area, including:

• Community fridge projects making surplus food available to all for free.
• Warm winter coat rails donated by library users and others from the local community for use by vulnerable people.
• Additional opening hours: Between Jan-March 24, 13 libraries were open for an additional 584 hours collectively and received well over 15,000 visits during these hours.
• Free refreshments including free tea, coffee, and in some cases, warm soup for anyone in need and at risk during the colder months.
• English Conversation Café for Women in Exmouth

https://jesmondlibrary.org/

 “The Friends of Jesmond Library are delighted to have won the Arts and Culture award. Our Writer in Residence project, to celebrate our 10th birthday, was a huge success, thanks mainly to our amazing Writer, Amanda Quinn. Amanda is now running another fully booked series of writing workshops, and our long running creative writing competition had a big boost in number of entries this year following her residency. Jesmond Library is becoming a go-to local destination for writers as well as readers.”

The Friends took over the library in 2013 when it faced closure by Newcastle City Council and has operated successfully as a library and community hub for over 10 years. It is run entirely by volunteers (around 90) and receives no statutory funding.

Trustees developed the idea of appointing a Writer in Residence as part of plans to celebrate the library’s 10th anniversary, building upon the interest consistently shown in their Creative Writing Competition and the number of informal writers groups in the area. They worked with ‘New Writing North’, the writing development agency for the north of England, before securing funding in their first ever application to Arts Council England.

They appointed Amanda Quinn, as Writer in Residence at Jesmond Library, holding drop-in surgeries at the library, a series of workshops with different library user groups and visits to 3 local primary schools. She engaged with around 150 writers and became a familiar face chatting to library users and volunteers even if they did not write. 60% of post-project survey responses said they had been complete beginners before they attended her sessions, and 50% said they would continue with their writing.

At the end of the residency, Amanda edited an anthology of writing about libraries (‘Welcome to the Library’), which gave confidence to writers published for the first time, and incidentally gave the library a small source of revenue and the opportunity to spread the word about Jesmond Library across the city.

The legacy of the programme has led to a series of workshops for beginners at Jesmond Library, as well as the opportunity for Amanda to run a further 6 autumn workshops, to be followed by another 6 specifically for people living with dementia as part of Newcastle’s Dementia Arts project linking up with their other Wellbeing sessions and the Sing and Socialise programme.

https://www.facebook.com/dinaspowyslibrary

Janet joined the Library as a volunteer in 2019 but it quickly became apparent that her interests were in the realm of Arts & Crafts, and was asked by Dinas Powys Library to consider how she might bring more Arts into the Library.

Undeterred by the pandemic in 2020, Janet established the ‘Creative Community Libraries’ group on Facebook to engage the volunteers and friends of the Community Libraries in the Vale of Glamorgan in the world of Art & Creativity. In Janet’s own words,

“as a group our aim is to encourage creativity for all ages and abilities, providing regular artistic themes along with some seasonal challenges, but most of all to encourage everyone to share their creativity, inspirations and ideas with the rest of the group in whatever form they take, in a non-judgemental and friendly environment.”

The group was warmly welcomed with high participation and once the lockdown restrictions were lifted Janet was keen to form an exhibition of the work that the group had produced. An exhibition was held in the Library and an opening event arranged which was very well attended. The age range of participants was also incredible, ranging from 12 years old to 92!

Janet created online challenges such as the Abstract Advent developed by Art Pedagogy and her own idea ‘Going Postal’ which saw participants paired up and required to start a piece of Artwork, in whatever medium, which would then be delivered to their local Library for their partner to collect. The latter project was supported by the Head of the Library service, as Janet had utilised all of the Libraries (staffed and volunteer led) within the Vale, so funding was made available for this, running from 2022 – 2023.

Janet has been particularly keen to help promote local artists, those just starting out, people who may never have exhibited before and to support the local art groups arranging for the local Village show art display to be exhibited at the Library for an extended period, providing greater opportunity for friends, family and the wider public to be able to see these works. The Library now has a new exhibition every seven weeks; displayed for six with a week’s break in-between, all of which is organised and curated by Janet. One important aspect of this, for the Library (which as it is volunteer run they are required to raise funds to keep the Library open and maintained), is that a large number of the artworks displayed are for sale with the library taking a small commission on those sales.

Some highlights from these exhibitions include:

• The Dawn Stalkers group, who also formed during the pandemic to meet at dawn on the sea front in Penarth to go for a morning swim! This group were featured in a documentary for BBC Wales.
• Euan Balman, aka BUG, an autistic photographer, supported by the Arts Council of Wales, presented his digitally altered photos expressing what it means for him to be autistic. Euan spent a considerable amount of time in the Library as he was keen to engage with individuals and explain his work, despite this being challenging for him.
• The local Fairtrade group has had an annual Fairtrade art competition with the schools in the area to help children understand the importance and value of buying Fairtrade products whereby they would then communicate that message through their artworks. For the last two years the awards have been presented by Jane Hutt MP.

None of this would have happened were it not for Janet’s enthusiasm and dedication to encouraging others to give art or craft a go and she is showing no signs of slowing down.

The Creative Community Libraries Facebook group page can be found here – https://www.facebook.com/groups/268621264251239
[Currently a group of 390 members]

https://sherburninelmetcommunitytrust.co.uk/library/

As a community library, we are always looking to extend out beyond the physical library building and develop relationships across all demographic groups within our community. When opportunity presented us with this Brave Words concept, we were fortunate to have skilled volunteers with the time and commitment to develop, and secure funding for, a stunning programme of activities that highlighted the creativity of children when supported to express themselves. We are incredibly proud of the product which Ellen and Lynne created and are so pleased that they have been recognised for their endeavours. (Library Management Group)

A library is not a luxury but one of the necessities of life. I believe that the Brave Words Project at our Community Library epitomises this principle. Indeed, the sub-title for the project ‘This Could Take You Anywhere’  was devised by one of the children participating.  I think being able to provide our community with experiences such as the Brave Words project is a great example of enthusiastic, passionate people coming together to make something exciting happen. (Lynne Morrisroe)

“The art of conversation is the art of hearing as well as of being heard.” Thus thought William Hazlitt, the English essayist and (amongst other things) philosopher.

So, the link to the above was a chance conversation in our community library (Sherburn and Villages) between two volunteers (Muriel and Ellen) that led to a stunning programme of activities that highlighted the creativity of children when supported to express themselves.
One of the volunteers (Muriel) mentioned that her son had set up a writing and performance company that worked with children in schools. Ellen’s mind immediately went into overdrive, thinking could this be brought to our library and open up opportunities for young people in our local schools?

Chris Singleton is the Artistic Director of Brave Words (bravewords.co.uk) who says that one of the aims of this company is to create adventures in the arts that invest in children, young people and communities. Ellen sat down and worked out a plan with Lynne (another library volunteer, with skills and experience of working creatively with children). Together they met Chris and hatched an idea to work with Years 13 and 14 in the local secondary school (Sherburn High School), later bringing on a local freelance film maker into the team. Successful bids were made for funding from the North Yorkshire County Council and Sherburn in Elmet Town Council.

The result was an astonishing vox pop film showing young people reading their work to camera. Their words illustrated their lives; fears and concerns, hopes and dreams. The impact on an invited audience of family, volunteers and funders was sensational.

“I think families were genuinely blown away by the quality of the poetry and the courage of their children, as was I. For some it was life-changing, it gave them the confidence to take their writing forward and who knows, one day we may see a best-selling author on the library shelves! … I sincerely hope that some of our young people step over the threshold of the library to see what a warm and welcoming place it is, I know that many of the students in the film need that safe haven, so fingers crossed that you get the footfall…” (Ann Hannam – School Librarian, Sherburn)

Following this they decided to submit a bid to a Yorkshire-based Foundation to spread the work to several primary schools in the area. With funds agreed and Chris eager to go again, they arranged with three schools to bring Brave Words to their nine- and ten-year-old pupils. Their words were curated and a book was printed (“This Could Take You Anywhere”) with over 50 pieces of writing included. Every child in the year group received a copy, with a couple for each school library. Any spares were handed out at the local town gala and events in the library.

The primary schools involved were full of praise for the project:

“Chris at Brave Words helped the children to see that poetry (and writing) can be fun, meaningful, exciting and ridiculous… it has been wonderful to hear that the children have been sharing their success with their parents/carers and the wider community”  (South Milford Primary School)

“I had an idea and just wrote, at one point my hand was writing faster than my brain, I just had so much to say”

“Chris said we could do anything, so that’s what we did. We did anything” (Sherburn Hungate School – pupil feedback)

Eager to do more within our community, though this time with a more limited budget, Lynne suggested integrating a couple of workshops with the 2024 Summer Reading Challenge. Chris was happy to work with children from age groups different to previous groups and so workshops for 4–7 year-olds and 7–11 year-olds were promoted.

Moving forward, they would now like to work with Brave Words to offer the same opportunity to teenagers as well as an adult group, offering a voice to all alongside with the opportunity to be heard is a continuing reformation that they want to be a part of.

https://somertonlibrary.com/

“I love being able to champion reading for all here at Somerton Community Library. We encounter people at all stages of learning, and it is a privilege to help them fall in love with reading.”

Since joining Somerton Community Library Abbi Dowler has injected energy, enthusiasm and an interest in volunteers and users with a cheerful manner that is totally infectious. One of her greatest strengths has been interreacting with younger readers which is reflected in the outstanding increase in the numbers undertaking and completing The Summer Reading Challenge.

Each reader is made to feel individual and proud of their accomplishments, and her infectious wish to encourage has been transmitted to the volunteers who in turn support young families and school children to feel welcome. The young parents especially have benefited from the library becoming a free social space. Abbi readily delegates and appreciates initiatives, has created a link with the local infant school and has supported a weekly after school Library Club. The increase in new members and regular users is undoubtedly down to her personality and “can do/ will do” attitude.

Nothing appears too much trouble and the team of library volunteers love working with her. She is currently exploring small group sessions to work with a few young children for whom our regular Story Time is a social challenge.

https://corbettcommunity.org.uk/

We are delighted to accept the award for our efforts and contributions to Digital Inclusivity and be recognised for the work we do in our community hub. The digital exclusion of vulnerable people is an ongoing and increasing issue and whatever contributions that libraries can make to alleviate this problem is positive. A reminder that libraries are an invaluable and important resource to the communities they serve.

A small group of volunteers who provide one-to-one appointments every Monday and Thursday morning for community members who need extra help in getting online.

The online volunteers at Corbett library are extremely popular and some weeks are booked up well in advance to provide one-to-one support providing help with anything from downloading apps on customer’s phones to applying for housing benefits and attendance allowance, the team have years of experience in providing non-judgemental support in a kind and personable manner.

Customers often come to the library to seek help with one online problem, but leave having solved a handul of queries, gaining increased confidence and an important link within their local community and encouraging wider use of the services available within the library. The team have also supported customers with applications for UK residency, travel cards, applying for passports and free school meals, with many customers having been signposted from other organisations – therefore the overall impact on local community and services is incredible.

https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/libraries/your-library/find-your-nearest/virginia-water

“As a retired IT instructor, I am always happy to offer advice and support to anyone struggling with technical issues. It is so nice to have been recognised by the Community Libraries Network and I really appreciate being given this award.”

Jeff supports customers with “tech guidance” covering a multitude of IT platforms, devices and subjects. His patient and caring nature ensures that customers to the library are able to learn new skills at their own pace, gain confidence and participate more fully in the online world. Jeff’s flexibility in the way he approaches support has included him developing “how to” videos for customers to watch back at home, helping to embed their learning at a pace to suit themself.

He also supports customers at home with larger digital devices, including setting up TVs, showing that he is prepared to go above and beyond with his help for the local community. Jeff has also supported the digital inclusion working group from the outset and has developed “how to” videos to help the wider network.

http://www.barlbyandosgodbyparishcouncil.co.uk/Barlby_Library__and__Community_Hub_38849.aspx

“Volunteering in my local community gives me great satisfaction and I am honoured to have even been nominated for an award. All the volunteers at Barlby Library work hard and I share this award with them.”

Kirsty is a breath of fresh air – an enthusiastic volunteer who believes passionately in the value of community libraries – and the Library motto ‘books are only half the story’.

• Committing time, effort & resources above and beyond what is expected.
  She undertakes many shifts each month fitting these around her role as a mum to two now school-aged children. Her youngest Charlotte is a true Library baby as Kirsty carried on with Library duties throughout the pregnancy.
• Initiating new ideas and activities with positive results.
  Bear hunts for children, crafting sessions for adults to name just a few. Some are wonderfully supported – others are sadly not – but this doesn’t deter Kirsty in thinking up new events and promoting them, often at the school gates, encouraging and welcoming everyone.
• Stepping up into new roles and taking on additional responsibilities.
  As well as being a hands-on volunteer, Kirsty is also treasurer and a member of the management team.

https://library.doncaster.gov.uk/-/woodlands-community-library-and-hub

“I have come to deeply appreciate my role as a volunteer at Woodlands Community Library & I’m completely honoured to accept this award, thank you so much.”

Zoe, nominated by multiple people, is a breathe of fresh air, honest, genuine, caring, light hearted yet serious, understanding, empathetic, enthusiastic, nurturing and so much more.

Zoe joined the library team just under a year ago, after attending one of their ‘Fayre’s in the Library’ and she voiced she would love to volunteer with us a few hours a week.
The first few weeks were extremely difficult for Zoe, adapting to being out of her comfort zone and readily available for all our customers to interact with. This caused Zoe to have quite a few bad mental health days, but with plenty of calming conversations and the willingness to persevere and continue onwards, a truly magnificent and valuable relationship was formed.

Since that very first day, ideas blossomed and turned into some amazing conversations and now established highly rewarding groups. Zoe has a vibrant Arty Workshop held on a Tuesday and The Silver Quill Society held on a Thursday, groups attended by library users who self-confess that attending these sessions are the highlight of their week and almost certainly the only time they will interact with other people.

Zoe stays behind on a Monday and Thursday evening until 9pm to ensure that other volunteers and staff are not alone whilst the Library is occupied by other groups, with other members of the team referring to her as ‘the most kind, caring, sincere and wonderful person I have ever met – our Library remains open simply because of the hard work and dedication of my volunteers such as Zoe.’

https://library.doncaster.gov.uk/-/woodlands-community-library-and-hub

“I am simply blown away to have been nominated yet alone to be receiving this award, the acknowledgement and appreciation for all the hard work and time I give my Community is very humbling. Thank you.”

Elizabeth is the new head volunteer at Woodlands Library and Community Hub.

In the last year Liz has completely transformed the library from a ghost town to a thriving anchor of the community. She routinely goes above and beyond to provide her elderly customers with the help they need to stay independent in the community. One gentleman in particular is constantly assisted to attend hospital appointments by Liz as he has no family.

Liz has brought in a wealth of new talent in the form of other volunteers and guest speakers, causing the arts and culture offer of the library to skyrocket. New groups have brought in isolated people to engage with music, art, crafts, history, and relaxed, friendly chat. She is also working hard with local schools to provide a vibrant and interesting learning space. Furthermore, she is working to make the library’s reading collection more inclusive and diverse with materials for ethnic minorities, those in the LGBTQIA+ community, and people on the autism spectrum, or in need of mental health information. The library now has many volunteers with learning disabilities who she is supporting to stay active in the community or gain the experience needed to move into work roles elsewhere.

Liz’s fundraising, events management, and attendance of working groups and meetings across the country to tie in her efforts to national programmes. She also works closely with local council community teams such as Your Place, DWP and the NHS to provide essential drop-ins, information, and health checks for local people.

Liz has led the library into an astounding new era which would have never happened without her.

https://www.markfieldcommunitylibrary.co.uk/

“The Volunteer Team at Markfield Community Library are thrilled to receive this Award from The Community Libraries Network, it means a great deal to them and goes some way to recognising their service to the Community. Thank you.”

Without the Operational Volunteer Team, Markfield Community Library (MCL) could not have been the success that it is having transitioned from Local Authority control in 2015 to a library and community hub not previously possible.

A stable, multi-generational group of around 26 volunteers who have committed time and effort for nearly ten years make up the diverse and vibrant delivery team. Sustainable at a time of reducing resources across the public sector they are proud of their success and proud to be in partnership with the Local Authority, the Parish Council and maintaining a very strong relationship with the Borough Council.

Not all residents back in 2015 understood yet alone embraced the challenge of losing the library but this group of volunteers did. Many have stepped up into new roles and taken on additional responsibilities – one becoming the Volunteer Coordinator and Trustee, one a Trustee and others moving into paid employment. They are inclusive and proud of thier equal opportunities for all volunteers. Ideas have come about through personal experience of volunteers, for example, dementia activities.

The use of the library by community groups has increased but also ebbs and flows as the service develops and community needs change. Volunteers are the eyes and ears of the community which means they can respond in a meaningful way such as school uniform swaps and serving as a warm space. Their volunteers are trained and supported in Safeguarding and Keep Safe/Ask Angela national initiatives and bring a free resource not previously possible when the LA was delivering a library service.

However, they very much view their relationship with the LA as a partnership of equals, leaning on them for support when needed and are proud of Markfield Community Library which has risen from initial skepticism to become a staple of the community, led by the community.

https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Libraries/
branchlibraries/RisingBrookLibrary/RisingBrookLibrary.aspx

In 2021, the first contract for the delivery of the CML came to an end, and the Partner decided not to renew as they had reprofiled their business following Covid, and this took their focus away from running a library. This placed the library in a vulnerable position; due to Covid, many of the volunteers had stepped away from volunteering and the library had only reopened for a fraction of its original opening hours. The library is in an area where it can be difficult to get local people to engage; the wards surrounding Rising Brook Community Library have high percentages of children living in low income families, high percentages of people who feel their health is not good or very good and residents who say their day to day activities are limited.

Staffordshire LAS successful sourced a new partner in MPFT in 2022 and started to work together to strengthen the volunteer base. The existing volunteers were consulted on how to engage the local community. Discussions also took place with key local organisations. This led to an extensive programme of leaflet delivery to local housing estates, which was repeated several times, and posters were put up in all local venues, such as shops, businesses, pubs, with the help of the volunteers. As a result, the library now has a strong group of 24 volunteers in total, who are committed to the development of the library (18 out of the 24 current volunteers were recruited from this recruitment drive).

When MPFT entered into the contract, there were few activities or events at the library. At volunteer meetings, it was clear that the volunteers were really keen to develop the offer and to make the library a vibrant, welcoming place for local people. The volunteers looked at the needs of the local community to guide what should be developed. They were passionate about encouraging children and families to use the library, as this seemed to be a gap, so they started developing relationships with local schools. This has led to all classes from the four local Primary Schools visiting the library, class visits for the local High School and volunteers visiting a primary school, that is too far from the library for the children to walk to, to promote the library and reading. The volunteers also set up a weekly Baby Bounce and Rhyme session for pre school children and their parents and carers, which has gone from strength to strength and has on average 20 attendees. Weekly children’s craft sessions and summer garden games sessions have also been introduced to encourage children and families to come to the library.

As a result, 535 more people joined the library in 2023-24 than in the previous year – they soon saw children who had joined the library during their class visit, returning to the library and bringing their parents to the library to join too. The library issued 2,852 (153.9%) more children’s fiction books and 1,316 (50.9%) more adult fiction books than in the previous year. One schoolteacher commenting “Thank you so much for setting up library cards for our children. It has had a really positive impact on reading in and out of school and our children are excited by using the library”.

The volunteers have also been keen to increase participation in cultural activities, to enable people to explore new creative skills. Some volunteers set up a monthly Poetry Group and others set up a monthly Creative Writing Group, which are both thriving. On a weekly basis, an MPFT Digital Angels session, to help people who are not confident with IT to develop their skills, has increased digital support and helps people to feel safer online. A number of volunteers have undertaken Health Literacy Training and are Health Champions for the library – and can use these new skills to signpost people to health services to improve physical and mental health.

The library is continually developing – the library has now returned to its original opening hours, which includes a late night and a Saturday morning. A group of volunteers have recently formed a constituted Friend’s Group, to be able to apply for external funding. They have carried out some fund-raising activities for the library, such as book and cake bake sales, and have raised approximately £500 to date.

Since the volunteers initiated these new activities, it has had positive results – for April 2023-March 2024 – visits to the library were up 93%, issues of books were up 102.6% and people joining the library were up significantly at 473.5%! The volunteers who have delivered this wide programme of children’s and creative activities have done this on top of their regular volunteering duties; they have committed a considerable amount of time and effort and have gone beyond what is expected. They have stepped up into new roles and had to learn new skills and develop confidence in delivering activities and events. The community managed library in Rising Brook goes from strength to strength.

https://www.nortoncanescommunitylibrary.co.uk/community/norton-canes-community-library-information-hub-20128/home/

Norton Canes Library is a community managed library which is solely run by volunteers under the management of Midlands Partnership Foundation Trust with support from Staffordshire County Council.

The volunteers of this library have worked extremely hard over the past 12 months to raise the profile of this library, turning it from being just a library into a local community hub. They have worked tirelessly to ensure that the meeting rooms are always full with a wide variety of activities for the public to enjoy. They have varied, inclusive weekly activities for all different age ranges and abilities:

• Cuppa and a Chat (all ages)
• Toddler Story Time
• Little Chicks (babies & toddlers)
• Rhythm Time (babies & toddlers) – 3 sessions every wee
• Sewing Group (all ages)
• Card Craft (all ages)
• Craft Group (all ages)
• Knit & Natter (all ages)
• Painting Group (all ages)
• Open Hands Social Group (all ages)
• Reading Club (all ages)
• Creative Writing & Poetry Group (all ages)

Norton Canes Community Managed Library has a beautiful wellbeing Garden which the volunteer team has worked really hard to get cleared to give opportunity for the community to spend time gardening, offering opportunities to address long standing health concerns with some of the users – including boosting mood, helping combat stress as well as increasing strength and improving memory. This has been well supported by local care homes, local schools & local scouts groups and clearly demonstrates the reach the Library has into its community networks.

Norton Canes Community Managed Library also provides opportunities to young people to gain work experience and has volunteers that are experienced in youth work to support them within the library setting.

Every volunteer in the library works hard to ensure that everyone is met with a warm and friendly welcome and ensures that the library is seen as a safe place for all members of the community to access and use. A recent overhaul of the old storage room in the library has been cleared and turned into a Sensory Room open for anyone to use, the decision coming after volunteers undertook detailed community based research which concluded that there were not any sensory rooms in the area that could be used at any time without pre-booking. They also had a high cost and Norton Canes is a deprived ward.

A number of volunteers have recently attended the training course “Making Every Contact Count”. This course is designed to support the volunteers in their conversations to promote the health and wellbeing of the people they come into contact with. It also empowered the volunteers to signpost members of the community to other services/activities where they can find the support they need.

Due to all of the work that the volunteers have proactively done to raise the profile of the library as a vibrant Community Hub, they’ve seen a significant seen an increase in visits:

• From April 2023 to March 2024, they had 3312 visitors to the library. From April 2024 to August 2024 they have had 4904 visitors to the library. This is an estimated increase of 48.1% for the 2024/2025 period.
• From April 2023 to March 2024, they had 32 new membership subscriptions to the library. From April 2024 to August 2024, they have had 43 new member subscriptions to the library. This is an estimated increase of 34.4%.

Norton Canes Community Managed Library is made up of a passionate and dynamic team of volunteers who go above and beyond for their local community. They are always investigating and researching creative ways of supporting people in their community and looking for new opportunities to reach those in need.
Norton Canes Community Managed Library over the last year has become a vibrant and welcoming place which is the heart of the community, providing something for everyone to get involved with.

https://theplacefallowfield.co.uk/

https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/directory-record/63997/pinchbeck-community-hub-and-library

“Pinchbeck Community Hub and Library are delighted to have been chosen for this award. Our volunteers and other local stakeholders give a lot of their time and energy to help make The Hub a valuable and vibrant part of our community.” 

It is fantastic to be part of the community libraries network and we are delighted to be recognised by them for the work that we do and to benefit from their support.”

Pinchbeck Community Hub and Library (The Hub) is a volunteer-led facility situated in the Lincolnshire Village of Pinchbeck. It is now in its 10th year of operation and has become a key component of local village life by providing library services, space to hire, organised activities and a ‘new to you’ shop. The Hub is located in an early Victorian school building right in the centre of the village and is leased on a nominal rent from Lincolnshire County Council. Pinchbeck Parish Council has ultimate responsibility for the Hub and is supported in delivering this by a Volunteer Steering Group.

Everything they do is driven by their 10 key objectives which have been developed in partnership with all key stakeholders. For the next 3 years these will be to:

• Increase awareness of The Hub and what it provides within their community.
• Increase the number of Volunteers at The Hub.
• Increase the number of people who attend The Hub
• Ensure the activities provided at The Hub to match what people want or need.
• Increase the number and range of activities they provide to their local people.
• Improve the facilities at The Hub and ensure they are fit for purpose within the budget available.
• Manage the financial resources currently available to The Hub and identify opportunities to secure new funding.
• Champion Community Leadership by delivering and promoting examples of what can be achieved by local people.
• Work in partnership with The Parish Council, The Local Authority, The NHS, other Local Agencies and Stakeholders to continually develop and improve what they do.
• Demonstrate Kindness, Compassion, Understanding and Empathy to anyone we meet in the course of our work.

These objectives have enabled The Hub to go significantly above and beyond its original remit and has resulted in it providing a wide range of services, activities and events that have created innovative and accessible solutions that have begun to reshape how people can access the help and support they need. The Hub is pioneering the concept of ‘Place’ in collaboration with local NHS and LA partners. 2024 has been a transformational year.

An example of this is the ‘Look After Your Heart’ event where 40+ organisations will showcase their services to visitors to The Hub. These stall holders will be from user led, third sector, NHS, LA and commercial companies. The event is free to attend and they have made a special effort to engage with people who have a learning disability, so that they can be involved in the day. Planning for this event has included forging new relationships with 3 local GP Practices and their community nurses opening dialogue on the potential to deliver Place Based services to residents.

Like many villages Pinchbeck has lots of groups and organisations including but not limited to the Village Hall, Church Hall, Baptist Mission, Youth Organisations and similar so they have found that collaboration not competition is key to success. They have been working with local youth leaders, community organisations and parents to create and implement Pinchbeck Youth Club. This involved often complex and difficult discussions with stakeholders to identify a solution that not only met everyone’s expectations, was affordable and was safe for those using it. They managed to achieve this and exceed their hopes by raising sufficient funds to commission YMCA to deliver the Youth Club at The Hub for at least the next 2 years.

The Hub is very much open to everyone and they want to continue to build on this as they go forward with their plans. As a learning organisation they listen carefully to the people who live in our community and incorporate their views into planning and delivery. Examples of these activities include:

• Art and Craft Groups
• Knit and Natter
• Photographic Society
• The Amateur Radio Club
• Reading Circle
• Happy Little Hands
• Good Mood Cafe (delivered weekly by Lincolnshire MIND)
• Mental Health First Aid (delivered by Shine Lincolnshire) and many more…

In Spring they conducted an on-line community audit in association with YMCA to find out what people wanted from local facilities, enabling them to shape the things they provide and look at what people wanted them to do to improve their buildings. The information helped them to submit a successful application to the levelling up fund and secure £22,000 of funding to build a new web site, purchase new fixtures and fittings and improve the lighting in the building. In addition to this GRASSroots funding they were allocated £15,000 funding by Lincolnshire Libraries to improve their kitchen facilities, £12,000 for the Youth Club and a further £5,000 towards Summer Family Activities. These funds alongside other commitments and fundraising events have enabled them to raise over £60,000 to use to improve The Hub and deliver activities.

The community Library remains a core component of The Hub and they work very hard to encourage and increase usage by residents, especially children and young people. The library is open 3 days a week and is entirely staffed by volunteer librarians and offers the full range of library services and acts as a contact and information point for many community services including Lincs Digital, Social Prescribing, Community Connectors, Benefits advice and other services.

The highlight of the year have been the Summer Family Fun Events which ran for 3 days a week throughout late July and all of August 2024. The volunteers designed, planned and implemented a range of activities and events in partnership with local families bringing just under 2,000 visitors to The Hub and included cookery lessons, dance lessons, sign language for toddlers, reading challenges, arts and crafts, playground games, rock music sessions, medieval and roman history workshops, weekly cinema sessions, story time, table games and karaoke. All of this was delivered free of charge to local families and resulted in many new visitors to The Hub and raised the profile across the Village and surrounding area and the feedback has been very positive. You can see the summer event in action by watching the brief video that captures the spirit of The Hub:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVby2AG_MxE

Planning ahead is key to success and the steering group are currently working on the business plan for 2025 and have already identified several key projects that will help them to meet their objectives and secure the necessary resources.