Knowsley Libraries are the hub of local communities, providing opportunities to not only pick up a book, but also to meet up, learn new skills, attend events, get online and much more!
Over the last 12 months, the diverse offer across the borough’s libraries has included:-
- Library staff working in partnership with students from Alt Bridge Special Support Centre on the Libraries Rising Youth Engagement Network project to deliver creative activities, promote problem-solving and strengthen teamwork.
- So far, the Knowsley Literature Festival has delivered 11 author events, attracted over 500 attendees, hosted eight school visits and engaged with 750 children. Two more author events have been scheduled for the 14th September with Debbie Johnson and with Luca Vesta on the 15th
- Working with Knowsley’s Early Years Service, the borough’s libraries have supported with the Speech and Language Pathway, delivering five under-fives sessions which were attended by 129 children and 125 adults.
- Funding from Libraries Connected has delivered 34 environmental activities (including leaf lantern making and junk modelling) during Green Libraries Week, attracting 770 participants.
- Knowsley Archives Service delivered a borough-wide programme of events to celebrate Local and Community History Month which attracted 143 visitors.
- Through the Open a Book, Open the World – Visit Your Library project, a virtual reality experience was developed, as well as an ARK app and a range of interactive digital experiences.
- Free creative writing courses have been delivered in the borough’s libraries.
- Our Libraries were selected as World Book Day Community Gifting Hubs, enabling the distribution of 2,400 free books to children and families across the borough as well as delivering theatre performances linked to World Book Day.
- Residents continue to be supported to get online and through the LCR Digital Inclusion Project, 71 devices have been distributed and training provided to hundreds of residents.
- 30 Customer Services staff have received specialist neurodiversity training and the libraries have additional resources, including noise-cancelling headphones, sensory toys and dyslexia overlays for all libraries. Monthly autism-friendly sessions are now delivered in three libraries, and a neurodiversity-themed booklist is currently being developed.
- New technologies have continued to be introduced across the library service, including expanded access to e-magazines and e-newspapers, the rollout of interactive activity tables and the launch of a new e-book platform, uLibrary. The platform provides access to an even wider range of digital titles, helping customers discover and enjoy more books online.
- Libraries Connected North West funding has been secured to engage with home educated children and their families through targeted library activities, while also providing library visits for Years 5 and 6 pupils participating in the National Literacy Trust’s Libraries for Primaries programme, aimed at encouraging regular library visits.
- Knowsley Libraries are participating in a two-year project led by The Reading Agency and Libraries Rising, funded through Arts Council England’s National Lottery Project Grants Programme, which will enable young people to co-create new services, resources and digital innovations designed to encourage reading for pleasure and greater library engagement.
- All library branches in the borough – in Halewood, Huyton, Kirkby, Prescot and Stockbridge Village – are all warm hubs, where communities can come together, socialise, have a cuppa during the cold winter months.
- Free creative writing courses have been delivered in partnership with Read Now Write Now for both adults and children with more sessions scheduled for October
Cllr Jayne Lonergan, Cabinet Member for Resources, said: “We know how important, and valued, our local libraries are across the borough.
“The use of our libraries, and what we deliver in them, has changed significantly over the years. Whether you visit your local library to browse the extensive book lists, access the PCs, attend cultural events or community activities, we will continue to review our offer, ensure there is something for everyone and ensure that our offer is aligned to the needs of our residents.”
You can find out more about Knowsley’s Libraries here as well as following @knowsleylibraries on Facebook and @knowsleylibraryreal on Instagram.