Library staff Maria (fourth from left) and Sarah (sixth from left) with participants from a Know Your Neighbourhood event at Shirebrook Library.
Know Your Neighbourhood focuses on encouraging people to get out to their local library – even if they have rarely been before – get to know their community, and try out free activities, groups and events.
The project has already made a huge impact in Bolsover and Shirebrook, where more than 100 events have taken place including talks, writing groups, craft workshops, games and even laughter therapy.
Groups such as Bubbles and Babies, Readers’ Retreat, Writing for Wellbeing, Café Connects, Games Hub, Stitch and Save and a teenage social group called Thrive have all been supported through the funding, from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
Councillor Dawn Abbott, our Cabinet Member for Health and Communities, said:
“Know Your Neighbourhood has widened participation and volunteering in Derbyshire libraries by local groups and events as a way to build networks that benefit individual residents and the whole community.
“Both library staff and volunteers have played a vital role in helping these activities thrive, giving their time and enthusiasm to create opportunities for people to meet, learn new skills and have fun.”
Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive. Comments include “Great fun and learnt something new”, “Lovely morning spent with a great group of people” and “It’s been a lovely way to meet new mums, it’s as valuable to mums as it is for the babies”. Volunteers have also spoken about how the project has helped them develop confidence and connect with their community.
Artist Jayne Woodbridge ran creative workshops to produce artwork for each library involved. Jayne later became a volunteer and launched Stitch and Save sessions in Bolsover and Shirebrook, teaching people how to mend or upcycle clothes and fabric. These sessions encourage creativity while reducing waste – good for the environment and the pocket. Sewing machines, free materials and plenty of advice were available for anyone who wanted to learn or share their skills.
Councillor Abbott added:
“Derbyshire libraries have always been at the heart of their communities, and they have proved to be an important resource for socialising, creativity and learning – now the extra funding means their excellent work can continue.”
In South Normanton, weaving, felt and wreath-making workshops have already taken place. They were well attended and attracted people who were not regular library users. Attendees said how nice it was to meet up and craft together.
A regular Coffee and Chat now runs on the first Tuesday of each month, offering a warm welcome and a chance to relax or join in a simple activity. A Readers’ Retreat book group has also started, perfect for those who enjoy talking about books without the pressure of reading a set title. Popular Bubbles and Babies sensory play sessions ran for six weeks in autumn and will return in the new year.
For more information about any of these activities, please contact South Normanton Library or read more about our libraries.