Last Friday (21 November), Cambridgeshire Libraries unveiled a new innovative and state-of-the-art community space at Cambridge Central Library.
Part of the ‘EverySpace’ project, this new flexible community resource will support people and small businesses to develop their digital skills and empower local groups to host varied and exciting events and activities.
Members of the library service, councillors and local partners gathered at Cambridge Central Library for the opening, with a cake cutting and a few words from the Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council, Cllr Peter McDonald and the Mayor of Cambridge, Cllr Dinah Pounds.
Following the successful opening event, on Saturday, 22 November, the new EverySpace welcomed the general public to get hands-on with the exciting new facilities and technology, including green screens and sound recording equipment – and experiment with the flexible layouts that will allow the library to hold more diverse workshops and events.
EverySpace is centred around adaptable, co-managed spaces that bring services closer to the community by enabling people to unleash their creativity, connect, share and discover at the library. This new space at Cambridge Central Library follows the opening of a similar facility in March Library, last year.
The EverySpace project has been funded by a grant from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and was delivered by Arts Council England. Accessible design has been at the heart of the project and the available facilities are equipped to serve a variety of audiences, encouraging more people to visit their library and discover the range of services on offer.
During the project, four young people aged 16 to 18 were chosen to take part in a mentorship scheme. The scheme, run by Cambridgeshire County Council, provided the young people with a chance to gain valuable insight into the professional design industry and build experience towards a potential future career.
Cllr Peter McDonald, Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “I was delighted to officially open the new ‘EverySpace’ at Cambridge Central Library. Cambridgeshire Libraries play a key role as vibrant community spaces where people can come together for social connection, support, and to engage with culture and creativity.
“The Central Library already provided a vital service for city residents, local groups and visitors. This new flexible space offers access to exciting technologies and further inclusive opportunities to learn, create and support one another in a sustainable way. It will benefit residents for years to come.”
Luke Burton, Director of Libraries, Arts Council England said: “EverySpace is a fantastic example of how libraries can evolve to meet the changing needs of their communities, creating welcoming environments where technology and creativity come together. These flexible spaces enable new opportunities for learning and cultural engagement, and we are proud to support Cambridge Central Library in championing accessibility, inspires curiosity, and put libraries at the heart of community life.”
EverySpace is just one example of the ways that our Cambridgeshire Libraries, at the heart of their communities, are expanding their services and responding to residents feedback, as they continue to evolve to meet changing local needs.
Cambridgeshire’s library service is free to join and free to use. It can be accessed through our network of 33 libraries, 3 mobile libraries and online.
More information on Cambridgeshire Libraries can be found on our website.
