The Isle of Wight’s libraries are taking centre stage in a bold new initiative to reimagine their role as cultural and community hubs.
Creative Island, the Island’s cultural development agency, is spearheading the Connecting Libraries project in collaboration with the Isle of Wight Council Library Service. Arts Council England (ACE) is funding the programme, which involves libraries in Newport, Cowes, Ryde, Sandown, Ventnor and Freshwater, alongside volunteer-led libraries in Bembridge, Brighstone, East Cowes, Niton and Shanklin.
Strengthening cultural connections
Libraries on the Isle of Wight already serve a vital community of over 140,000 residents. Six council-run libraries offer a mix of physical and digital resources while hosting more than 2,800 activities for adults and children each year.
The Connecting Libraries project builds on this foundation, aiming to deepen the cultural connections between libraries and the Island’s creative infrastructure. The initiative hopes to attract new audiences, boost membership and inspire cultural curiosity across all ages.
Arts Council England’s funding extends these benefits to the Island’s volunteer-led libraries. These community-run spaces, already integral to their areas, have untapped potential for engaging with artists and creative organisations.
Reimagining libraries as cultural hubs
Central to the project is an effort to expand libraries’ roles beyond books. Isle of Wight libraries are already home to storytelling sessions, creative workshops and even film screenings, such as those regularly held in Sandown.
The Connecting Libraries project seeks to broaden this scope further, testing the potential for libraries to host performances, exhibitions and literary events.
These activities aim to draw in diverse audiences and deepen the libraries’ community engagement.
Collaborating with local partners
Creative Island is working closely with the library service, cultural organisations and local National Portfolio Organisations (NPOs) to shape the project.
A community development specialist will join the team, engaging with library leads and Island-based museums to explore opportunities for extending library activities. The project includes meetings and pilot events, such as hosting performances and workshops in library spaces, to test these ideas in practice.
Sharing knowledge and expanding reach
As a pilot initiative, Connecting Libraries is designed to uncover practical solutions for expanding library activities. Insights gained will be shared with volunteer-led libraries, ensuring that the project’s impact is felt across the Island.
Creative Island will oversee project funds, appoint consultants and report to ACE on progress. This collaborative approach ensures the initiative’s success is driven by its six core library partners while benefiting from wider community involvement.
