HeadSpace at High Street Library
An award-winning arts-based consultation was used to help achieve the new library at High Street which actively involved local residents in service development and delivery.
Although the library was already a popular service with some young people; others were reluctant to use the facility. Library staff therefore worked extremely hard with Bolton Youth Service and a local artist to engage young people who previously did not use the library. Video was used as a medium to find out what would encourage them to use the library service.
This work led to a successful bid by the Reading Agency to become one of 20 pilot libraries in England to embed the active involvement of young people in all aspects of library provision including design, implementation, delivery and evaluation. As part of the HeadSpace experience, the library is supporting young people to develop their own skills and confidence and will accredit them for their valuable contribution.
Young people were consulted about the design and colour scheme of the HeadSpace area. Two book buying trips were arranged where young people went along with library and youth service staff to a local bookshop to choose the stock they most wanted for the new area. Each person was given an amount of money to spend for choosing books for other people's interests as well as their own.
The official launch of High Street HeadSpace - the first in the country - was organised by the HeadSpace volunteers in conjunction with library staff. Amir Khan, the local boxing hero came along to give support to the young volunteers and there was extensive media interest on the day from Granada TV, Channel M, local radio and newspapers. Young Book Waiters were around to chat to people about their favourite books and promote a short story competition.
The project has proved inspirational to young people, as they have really enjoyed seeing their input come to life. Volunteering opportunities have been created for teenagers to be Book Waiters to support young people to feel at home in HeadSpace and to make the most of the resources available. As a result, the library is busier than ever and a valuable asset to the community.
Melanie Graaf Bolton Libraries
