Last Friday (20 September), Cambridgeshire Libraries launched a new innovative and state-of-the-art community space at March Library.
Part of the ‘EverySpace’ project, this new flexible community resource will support people 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 March Library for the unveiling, with a cake cutting and a few words from the Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council, Cllr Sebastian Kindersley.
EverySpace is just one example of the ways that our libraries, at the heart of their communities, are expanding their services as they continue to evolve to meet changing local needs. Our Mobile Libraries service help to deliver hearing aid batteries to remote communities, over the summer libraries hosted the Big Summer Read to promote literacy amongst children and young people. The Library Presents is one of the few library services in the country which receives Arts Council funding to deliver a programme of arts and culture across Cambridgeshire.
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 March Library has been funded by a grant from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and was delivered by Arts Council England. A second space at Cambridge Central Library is scheduled to open early next year.
Through EverySpace, people will be able to get hands-on with new and exciting technologies, including video editing and sound recording equipment – and experiment with the flexible layouts to hold more workshops and events.
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.
Reflecting on the invaluable experience, mentee Remi Karim said: “It has been an amazing experience shadowing the EverySpace project. I have learnt so much about the design process and it was very impactful seeing the library transform to being able to better serve the community.”
Cllr Tom Sanderson, Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council’s Communities, Social Mobility and Inclusion Committee said: “Our libraries offer books and much, much more – they are vibrant community spaces where people can come together for social connection, support, and to engage with culture and creativity.
“EverySpace will make a huge difference to how March Library is used and will benefit residents for years to come.
“March Library provides a vital service for the local community and this new flexible space makes it an even more welcoming and comforting place for people to visit.”
Luke Burton, Director of Libraries for Arts Council England said: “The Arts Council is delighted to contribute to the EverySpace library scheme. Led by the community with a focus on equal accessibility, the project enriches opportunities for learning and creativity across Cambridgeshire.
“We are thrilled to see how this will empower residents with a further ability to connect, share, create and discover.”
In addition to these new exciting spaces in two of our libraries the County Council recently approved £1.32m towards improving access to libraries, to ensure our 33 libraries and three mobile libraries continue to meet the needs of the community. This will be supplemented by developer contributions to refurbish and replace older buildings as communities grow.
