Libraries Live Journal - Journal - Page 1
Challenge One
Connecting Community
Despite promotion of library drop in
activity through schools, the youth
centre, local groups and the library
social media platforms, there was still
low numbers of young people coming to
the library.
‘I discussed with some of the volunteers
the issue of young people. It seemed
there were many younger children up
to age 12 to 13 coming in, then a gap to
the early twenties, when users seem to
return to use the facilities. The target
audience did increase, partly helped by
some wanting to volunteer to benefit
their CVs, and a Duke of Edinburgh
bronze participant, who supported the
residency throughout.’ – Michaela
Problem Solving
In order to create more of a connection
to the library, Michaela delivered a series
of workshops at local high schools and
youth club while promoting the library
and presenting a reason to return and
visit their work on show.
Top Tip
Engaging new audiences in
the spaces and places they
already feel comfortable
first is a great way to create
positive engagement about the
project in order to encourage
visiting the library.
Outcome
This proved a great success with
Kingsbury High School allowing the
Year 11 art students to be off timetable for two whole days for Michaela’s
workshops. They began with a growth
theme which took an environmental
twist for some, and a mental health turn
for others. The students were engaged
throughout the workshops and produced
some fantastic work for the exhibition.
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