Creative Island is at the heart of an ambitious new project, Connecting Libraries, aimed at enhancing the role of libraries across the Isle of Wight as cultural and community hubs.
In partnership with the Isle of Wight Council Library Service, Creative Island is facilitating this initiative with funding from Arts Council England (ACE).
The project involves libraries in Newport, Cowes, Ryde, Sandown, Ventnor and Freshwater, with additional support extended to five volunteer-led libraries in Bembridge, Brighstone, East Cowes, Niton and Shanklin.
Strengthening libraries’ cultural connections
The Isle of Wight Library Service already plays a vital role in its community of 140,000+ residents. Its six council-run libraries offer a diverse range of physical and digital books while hosting over 2,800 activities for adults and children annually.
The Connecting Libraries project aims to build on this foundation. By fostering stronger connections between libraries and the wider cultural infrastructure of the Island, the initiative hopes to attract new audiences, increase membership and encourage cultural curiosity across all generations.
ACE’s additional funding enables this vision to reach even the Island’s volunteer-led libraries. These libraries are central to their communities, offering welcoming, accessible spaces with untapped potential for further engagement with artists and creative organisations.
Exploring new possibilities for libraries
Central to the project is the idea of reimagining libraries as spaces for cultural enrichment beyond their traditional roles.
Libraries on the Isle of Wight already host storytelling sessions, creative workshops and even film screenings, such as those regularly held in Sandown.
This initiative seeks to explore how libraries can act as hosts for a wider variety of activities, including performances, exhibitions and literary events. By testing these opportunities, the project hopes to identify ways to broaden each library’s reach and deepen its community connections.
Collaborative development with local partners
Creative Island is working closely with the library service and the Island’s cultural sector to shape the project.
A community development specialist will be employed to engage with library leads, the five Island-based National Portfolio Organisations (NPOs) and museums.
Together, they will identify challenges and opportunities for extending library activities. The project includes a series of meetings and collaborative events, such as hosting performances or workshops in library spaces. These activities will serve as pilot programmes to test new ideas and partnerships.
Sharing learnings and expanding potential
As a pilot, the Connecting Libraries project aims to generate valuable insights into the challenges and solutions involved in expanding library activities. These learnings will be shared with volunteer-led libraries, ensuring the initiative has a lasting impact across the Island.
The project’s collaborative approach ensures its success is driven by its six core library partners, supported by Creative Island’s co-ordination. Creative Island will manage project funds, oversee consultant appointments and report to ACE on progress.
A vision for happier, healthier communities
The Connecting Libraries initiative reflects a broader ambition to enrich lives through cultural and creative engagement. By enhancing the delivery of Universal Library Offers, the project seeks to promote reading, literacy and digital access while fostering happier, healthier communities.
Creative Island’s role as facilitator ensures the Isle of Wight’s libraries remain vibrant, accessible spaces that inspire curiosity and creativity for generations to come.
