Re-futuring Community Libraries

This post has been co-authored by Emma Coleman and Georgina Cockett at the University of Southampton

What does this project involve?

In the wake of significant budget cuts for public libraries, communities were faced with the potential loss of their beloved neighbourhood libraries. Yet in the face of adversity, these communities refused to let their cultural hubs disappear. Today, we are witnessing a remarkable transition where local communities have developed independent organisations, often charities, in a bid to save their local libraries. Yet, this transition is poorly understood and there is a gap in our understanding about the challenges community libraries face and how they are adapting to said challenges.

What are our plans and objectives?

Our project is dedicated to exploring how community libraries can contribute to local placemaking, promote community cohesion and foster creative engagement. It involves undertaking a comprehensive literature review to gain a broader understanding of the context in which community libraries currently operate. Existing libraries across the South of England will also be mapped as case studies.

Interviews with representatives from the mapped libraries in the South will be conducted to explore their evolution, the unique services they offer compared to traditional public libraries and the array of challenges and opportunities they encounter. We will also engage with centralised services such as the ‘Community Library Network’ to evaluate the changing landscape of support for existing organisations. Together these conversations will offer valuable insights into the evolving role of community libraries and the strategies they employ to adapt and thrive.

To explore how libraries nurture community cohesion, foster connections among residents and serve as vital hubs, we are exploring these spaces where people come together to access books, essential services and engage in various activities. In particular, we have partnered with the Friends of Cobbett Road Library – a community-oriented organisation which brings a wealth of experience and insights into the crucial role that these libraries play within local communities. 

Cobbett Road Library, Southampton. Credit: Friends of the Cobbett Road Library

What have we found so far?

Our literature review reveals that community libraries are recognised to provide a space for group activities which generate social and cultural capital for various groups within local communities, including young families, the elderly, ethnic groups and new residents. Similarly, in areas featuring forms of social and economic inequality, libraries play a vital role in equalising the possibilities for active citizenship.

After conducting 10 in-depth interviews it is clear that community libraries are very diverse, with different funding and management situations and a range of services and engagement strategies. Some focus on traditional library services such as book provision, whereas others seek to operate as more of a community hub, offering craft sessions, supportive workshops and warm spaces in winter. The services available are highly dependent on factors such as funding, building provision and support from the council and local volunteers. The research also highlights how community libraries, including Cobbett Road Library, have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This included reduced service provision and closures, which have had widespread implications for local communities.

The growth and importance of library networks has also been identified, with an aim to sufficiently support and advise members. Indeed, in the wake of immense challenges and declining support from local councils, network members regularly interact to provide peer support, share ideas and successful strategies. Beyond networks, the research reveals the importance of community support and involvement. Local volunteers are not only responsible for providing the basic functions of a library, increasingly they support special events and initiatives. Establishing and maintaining strong connections to the local community is therefore vital to the survival of these libraries and many are working hard to engage key groups such as new residents, seniors and young people. 

For example, the research team has attended events at Cobbett Road Library which aim to engage locals and gain insight into their vision for the future of the library. In particular, children from the community were invited to take part in a creative writing competition entitled ‘Library of the Future’.

What is coming next? 

In order to celebrate the Cobbett Road Library’s 85th birthday, they are hosting an event on May 18th. The winners of the children's writing competition will be announced at this event.  On June 9th, the children's drama group ‘Light-UP’ will be involved in a Creative Hackathon, involving a play-in-a-day-workshop. The content of the play is formed from entries of the creative writing competition.   

Over the summer, the research team will continue conducting interviews, gathering information from the case studies. A freely available final report will be produced and disseminated, and key findings will be shared with the community and participating libraries in an event on July 3rd 2024.

For more information on what this project has involved for Cobbett Road library, click here.