Changing - and saving - lives in Northumberland
25 Jun 2024 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
A special week to mark the ways in which ‘Libraries Change Lives’ is underway in Northumberland.
And, that’s about a great deal more than being one of the first to lay hands on the latest bestseller, or finding a quiet haven to meet for book club.
Libraries have long been places of knowledge and culture but today they are at the centre of life in towns and villages across the county - reaching further from the library walls into the community than ever before.
Alison Peaden, Library Service Manager, said: “The campaign is built on community needs, addressing social issues such as isolation, literacy, business needs, mental health and inclusivity - and is changing lives in very real ways.
“We change lives by offering a personalised service and caring for our community. For example, one of our mobile library drivers, noticed one of his regulars didn’t attend. So, he popped along to check on her, found her unconscious and arranged medical care.
“We also help budding entrepreneurs like Maggie Reid, to start or grow businesses through Business and IP Support North East (BIPC). Maggie, who runs a handmade jewellery business, accesses BIPC via Berwick Library,(also available to speak to in Hexham and Morpeth libraries).
“By offering a range of services tailored to different demographics, Northumberland Library Service aims to create a more educated, connected and resilient community.
“Libraries host events and activities that bring people together, such as cultural festivals, author talks, and craft workshops.
“For example, at Bellingham Library, a workshop hosted by a local drama group helped local people feel less lonely. Now we're partnering with Theatre Sans Frontières to put on a production celebrating our service's 100th anniversary a ‘Century of Stories’, with shows coming in autumn.
“Our service can help those who feel lonely, isolated or just bored tap into a hobby or skill they didn’t know they had, and meet and talk to people, fostering a brighter, more connected community for all.”
*Any resident can join the Library Service free of charge.