Creative Island recognises the unique role libraries play in the life of our communities as public, accessible, and valued spaces. Over the coming year (2025), we will be working in partnership with the Isle of Wight Council Library Service, with support from Arts Council England (ACE), on a new initiative: Connecting Libraries.
This project aims to collaboratively explore the opportunities and challenges libraries face when hosting literary, performance, and workshop events, and build relationships with the islands wider cultural sector. It will involve libraries across the Island – in Newport, Cowes, Ryde, Sandown, Ventnor, and Freshwater – and explore possibilities with the five volunteer-led libraries in Bembridge, East Cowes, Brighstone, Niton, and Shanklin.
Our ambition is for libraries to be recognised as collaborative, innovative spaces that can meet the needs of future generations. Success will mean developing partnerships with others that share their ambitions, encourage new uses and audiences and ensure they remain the valued and vital network of community resources that they are.
Below, you’ll find updates from some of the libraries, the workshops that they’ve organised and how to get involved:
- Artist Laura Hathaway is starting a 6 week project at Ryde Library with young people from Network Ryde to do a makeover of their young adult area.
- Work is underway to begin the filmmaking project with Sam Langham and Christ The King College.
Stay updated by checking this page or on our social media channels – Instagram, Facebook & Linkedin.
