Charities join forces to “poverty proof” libraries
A pioneering new project will help to remove the barriers that prevent low-income families from accessing a range of resources, activities and support at their local library.
While libraries across the country offer a host of free resources, from books and computers to wellbeing events and activities for all age groups, they are often under utilised by low-income families in their communities.
In partnership with Libraries Connected, the membership body for public libraries, charity Children North East hope its unique Poverty Proofing© methodology will help us to understand the reasons why, with aim of removing these barriers.
Funded by a grant of £49,770 from Arts Council England, Children North East will carry out a full Poverty Proofing© audit of libraries in three English local authorities.
The project will begin in Gateshead and involve in-depth discussions with staff and library users, as well as with people in the community affected by poverty who don’t currently use the libraries, and “mystery shopper” visits.
This qualitative research will be combined with existing evidence to develop a series of bespoke recommendations that will help the libraries sector to improve access, participation, experience and long-term engagement for low-income families.
There will also be wider poverty awareness training for library workers, leadership sessions to explore how library services can integrate poverty awareness into their strategic planning, and resources for library services elsewhere to use in their own communities.
Isobel Hunter MBE, Chief Executive of Libraries Connected, said:
“There’s growing evidence that public libraries play a vital role in supporting early literacy and communications skills, helping young children prepare for and thrive at school. But families from the most deprived backgrounds are less likely to visit libraries, even though they are free and open to all. We’re excited to be working with Children North East to find those extra costs, unseen inequalities and experiences of exclusion that could prevent families making the most of their local library.”
Chloe MacLellan, Poverty Proofing Culture Manager at Children North East, said:
“Libraries can be lifelines for families experiencing poverty, offering free access to learning, culture, and support. But sometimes barriers—such as hidden costs or stigma—can discourage access to these essential community spaces. We are delighted to be working with Libraries Connected and Arts Council to help identify and remove those barriers, making sure that libraries truly are a welcoming and accessible resource for every child and family, regardless of their background.”
Councillor Catherine Donovan, deputy leader of Gateshead Council, said:
“It’s without a doubt that for many, our libraries are the hubs of our communities, offering essential resources and a place to socialise and meet others at a range of activities, events and support groups all year round.
“However, this offer may not be as widely known about or as easily accessible as we’d hope. Understanding the barriers to our low-income communities is vital to help ensure everyone in Gateshead can access the warm welcome received when you walk through the doors of our libraries, be it for the first time or the 100th time.
“We’re proud to be the first of three local authorities participating in this innovative new project with Libraries Connected and Children North East, which has the potential to change the lives of many for the better.”
Luke Burton, Director Libraries, Arts Council England said:
“We know that the services provided by libraries are vital to so many in their communities but also that some people face difficulty in accessing them. I’m pleased that the Arts Council has been able to provide funding for Libraries Connected and Children North East to look at the barriers stopping some families from experiencing everything that libraries have to offer. I look forward to seeing the results of the pilots and to everyone, regardless of their background, being confident in using their local library.”
Notes
For media enquiries and interviews please contact James Gray, Communications and Advocacy Manager at Libraries Connected by emailing [email protected] or calling 07849085762. Alternatively, reach out to Children North East on [email protected] or via the contact form.
Libraries Connected
We are an independent charity that supports, promotes and represents public libraries. Our work is driven and led by our membership, which includes every library service in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Crown Dependencies. As well as providing practical support, training and advice to libraries, we represent them to government and raise their profile in the media. We also develop and lead national library projects with a range of cultural, academic and corporate partners. Part of our core funding in England comes from Arts Council England to help libraries embed their Investment Principles.
Arts Council England
Arts Council England is the national development agency for creativity and culture. We have set out our strategic vision in Let’s Create that by 2030 we want England to be a country in which the creativity of each of us is valued and given the chance to flourish and where every one of us has access to a remarkable range of high-quality cultural experiences. From 2023 to 2026 we will invest over £467 million of public money from Government and an estimated £250 million from The National Lottery each year to help support the sector and to deliver this vision. This year the National Lottery will celebrate 30 years of supporting good causes in the United Kingdom through raising £49 billion and awarding over 690,000 individual grants since the first draw was held in 1994. Visit our website to learn more.
Children North East
Since 1891, Children North East have helped to transform the lives of babies, children, young people and families across the North East region.
In challenging circumstances, their teams are there to provide compassionate, expert support, often when there is nowhere else to turn for help.
Gateshead Libraries
Gateshead Libraries and Heritage service has a diverse offer across the borough.
The statutory library offer comprises of 8 libraries, which include Gateshead Central Library and libraries in Birtley, Blaydon, Chopwell, Crawcrook, Leam Lane, Pelaw and Wrekenton.
In addition, services are delivered in a range of other community venues through partnership working. Find out more at Libraries – Gateshead Council.
