Kirklees Libraries recently issued their annual report, and it’s a gripping read!
Borrow a book or work up a sweat
It’s been decades since libraries we’re a place we would visit solely to borrow a book. They have evolved into a place where residents head to for personal development, learn new skills, immerse themselves in history groups, sing songs and music with children, knit and natter for the latest gossip, head for a coffee post walk or work up a sweat with a weekly boxercise session or online provision – each of these sessions are about people are interacting, socialising and supporting their mental health and wellbeing.
Listening to the community and meeting their needs
Listening to and involving residents is vital to the library offer, whether it stems from a general conversation, a consultation session with partners, local businesses, community and voluntary organisations. Some of these conversations have resulted in the delivery of lots of amazing projects:
- New library at Birkby and Fartown with its dementia friendly design and safe space
- Revamp of the teen offer at Dewsbury Library
- Community café at Slaithwaite
- Chess club, history groups and walking meets
- Parent and toddler social groups
- Music sessions
- Movement and dance with Everybody Active
- Library Adventures Live! Online provision
- “Being all I can be” – a program for young people that find traditional learning difficult
- Abilities options groups at Shepley – interactive sessions for adults with learning difficulties.
Award winning service
2021 saw the library service showered with accolades and awards, from individual awards including a BME for Library Development Manager Andy Wright and Kirklees Apprentice of the Year award for Ambreen Aziz, to recognition for their Death Positive Libraries project, winner the award of the Libraries Connect Health and Wellbeing Award.
Read the full report and what the library service have in store for 2022 – 2027.
Become a volunteer
If you want to become a volunteer with the library service, drop them an email! Volunteer.recruitment@kirklees.gov.uk.