Your community

## Bringing people together
“I started the knit and natter group,” Diane says of her local library, in [_blank_Sandal, Wakefield](https://www.wakefield.gov.uk/libraries-and-local-history/your-local-library/sandal-library). “But I don’t knit! I’m an artist, so I’ll sit and draw instead while the others knit.”

It’s a great example of the welcoming nature of activity groups in libraries across the country. A group might have knitting, or drawing, or writing as its focus - but its real purpose is to bring people together. 

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Diane is one of thousands of dedicated volunteers who help libraries connect with their local communities. They’re a key part of the modern library, which often acts as a community hub, events space, art gallery and many more things besides.

“It was a huge shock when my husband died,” Diane explains. 

“But the staff at the library were so kind, and so welcoming. They would call me up and invite me in for a cup of tea and a bun. And the great thing about the library is that it’s a public place where you don’t need to buy anything. You can join activities, or read - but you don’t have to do anything if you don’t want.”

## How libraries have changed
Diane is now Chair of the Friends of Sandal group of volunteers, which raised enough money to transform an unloved piece of council-owned land into a dementia-friendly garden. This came after the library was refurbished, in consultation with [_blank_The Alzheimer’s Society](https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/), to make it one of the first in the UK to be tailored to the needs of people with dementia. 

“Libraries are so different now from when I was younger,” says Diane. “I think perhaps some people had difficult experiences with libraries when they were growing up. When I used to visit as a child, staff checked your hands to make sure they were clean! Nowadays you’ll find all sorts of things for children.”

>"The great thing about the library is that it’s a public place where you don’t need 
to buy anything."
>QUOTECITEDianeQUOTEBIOVolunteer, Wakefield LibrariesQUOTEENDCITE

## A chance to socialise
Helen Halliwell is a Floor Manager at <a href="https://library.haltonbc.info/
" target="_blank">Halton Libraries</a>. Ask her about how libraries help people connect with their community, and she’ll tell you about the A Good Yarn group.

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“We thought it would be a good way to get people together,” explains Helen. “So every Thursday people bring along their projects - it might be cross-stitch, knitting, crochet, sewing. Quite a few of the members live on their own, so it’s a chance for them to socialise. They’re always giggling about something - which I think draws more people in!”

One person who was drawn in is Michael, who was visiting the adult learning centre upstairs from the library. “I think he saw the group having a chat and a laugh, and asked: ‘What’s this?’” says Helen. “He decided he wanted to know how to knit first, but now he seems more into cross-stitch. He has additional needs and lives on his own, so he loves having the group as a way to get out and about.”

Regular social contact is important for mental wellbeing, but it can be hard for people with more complex needs, or those who live alone. Helen has witnessed the difference A Good Yarn has made to Michael.

“Michael’s a worrier - he worries about everything. So the group is a chance for him to voice his worries and get them off his chest. The ladies in the group just listen and encourage him to think a bit differently about the things that are bothering him. It’s helped him come out of his shell - he’s changed so much. He’ll just sit there and gab! He’s as much part of the group as anyone else. I can definitely say A Good Yarn has improved his life.”

People of all ages and abilities can enjoy the health benefits of reading

How reading improves wellbeing

It's never too late to throw yourself into a new interest

Learn new skills at the library

Find your community at the library

## Never too early to visit
Having a baby is a huge life event, and the library plays a big part in helping parents around the country adapt. 

With free activities like rhyme times and story times the modern library offers parents and carers a safe, warm environment where they can introduce little ones to a world of stories and fun.

90% of a baby’s brain growth takes place in the first five years of life, so stimulating activity is important in these early days. Also important is giving parents and carers chances to meet others at the same life stage.

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Tracy Hager, Children & Youth Librarian at [_blank_Wiltshire Libraries](https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/libraries-home), recognises the challenges new parents face - and encourages them to bring their babies to the library as soon as they can. 

“I tell new mums and dads: your baby can cry. _You_ can cry. You can feed the baby. You need a hug? I’ll give you a hug,” she says. 

“Adults might think their kids need to be quiet, but that’s not the case. We tell customers there are quieter times to visit, if that’s what they need. But we want the library to be a family-friendly space as well.”

>"We want the library to be  
a family-friendly space."
>QUOTECITETracy Hager, QUOTEBIOChildren & Youth Librarian, Wiltshire LibrariesQUOTEENDCITE
## Continuing visits
For kids who are a little older, many libraries offer a variety of things to aid their development, entertain them and help them make new friends.

The modern library wants children to continue to visit as they grow - so on any given day you might find Lego clubs, colouring circles, games clubs and more. They’re all great ways to help children make new friends, and for you to meet new people too.

Alex Ferguson’s son, Archie, is a big fan of his library in Smethwick, [_blank_Sandwell](https://www.sandwell.gov.uk/libraries) –⁠ which he’s lucky to be able to see from his window! 

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“Archie has some unique needs because he has a genetic condition called Wolf–Hirschhorn syndrome. He’s a bit small for his age, and lacks a sense of danger, but he’s very friendly - so it can be tricky to find sociable yet safe spaces,” says Alex. 

“Thimblemill Library is a place where we don’t need to worry so much about him. It’s a physically safe space, it’s all on one floor, and it’s free! It’s a much more suitable place for him to visit than, say, a coffee shop.”

Archie’s needs mean he spends time with his respite carer on Saturday mornings. 

“At the library it never feels like Archie is treated as if he is any different to other kids,” says his dad. “They know him and he knows them. Our library is one of the reasons we haven’t moved house - it’s the central hub of the community and even puts on gigs!”

## School holidays
As schools go quiet over the summer holidays, libraries spring into action with programmes and activities to help parents and carers keep kids entertained.

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The [_blank_Summer Reading Challenge](https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/), and other summer reading campaigns, act as vehicles for related fun like treasure hunts and crafting activities at libraries. As well as receiving rewards for keeping up their reading habit, kids can expect to make friends with other local children as they take part in programmes of activities.

In some areas you’ll also find initiatives - like [_blank_Leeds Libraries](https://www.leeds.gov.uk/libraries)’ Reception Reading Stars - that offer kids the chance to meet future classmates in libraries before they start their first day at school.

Rachel, a parent of two in Wakefield, finds the library invaluable during the summer holidays. 

“My eldest, who is eight, asks to visit the library a lot during the Summer Reading Challenge”, she says. “It’s a nice walk to get there, and afterwards we’ll go to the park with a picnic - so it’s a way to have a great day out with the kids without spending money.”

You'll find year-round fun for kids at the library

Stories, rhymes and stickers for children

Inspiration, excitement and discovery for kids

Help children learn while having fun

Connection for kids and carers at the library

Artist Michaela McMillan doing a craft activity with children at a library.

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**Today’s library offers books, learning and ways to connect with people.** The range of activities, events and services means you’re likely to find people who enjoy similar things to you.

For parents and carers of young children, free story times and rhyme times offer the chance for you to meet other parents, and for your child to start learning how to relate to others. Older kids can meet friends old and new at LEGO groups, colouring sessions, reading challenges, craft clubs and more.

The library is a social hub for everyone. You might find groups for crafters, gardeners, readers, artists, quizzers, slimmers, writers or local historians. What will you discover at the library?

Community is free at the library

Today’s library offers books, learning and ways to connect with people. The range of activities, events and services means you’re likely to find people who enjoy similar things to you.
For parents and carers of young children, free story times and rhyme times offer the chance for you to meet other parents, and for your child to start learning how to relate to others. Older kids can meet friends old and new at LEGO groups, colouring sessions, reading challenges, craft clubs and more.
The library is a social hub for everyone. You might find groups for crafters, gardeners, readers, artists, quizzers, slimmers, writers or local historians. What will you discover at the library?

A lady painting on a canvas at a library art group. The canvas is on an easel.

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**Keeping in contact with people in the real world is good for your health.** Sharing an activity, meeting new people or just having a chat can help your self-confidence, cheer you up and give you something to look forward to.

It’s not uncommon for people to lose contact with friends and family as life circumstances change - for example, if you have people who rely on your care, or if you become less mobile. 

The benefits of maintaining a social life are worth the effort, because **relationships and shared experiences are good for our wellbeing and quality of life**. You don’t need to have a packed social calendar - just having a regular slot in your week to spend time with people can make a difference to how you feel.

The library wants to help everyone get the most out of life, which is why it has a programme of events and activities for you to explore. 

Get the most up-to-date information about your library by finding your local library and contacting the staff directly.

Gathering is good for you

Keeping in contact with people in the real world is good for your health. Sharing an activity, meeting new people or just having a chat can help your self-confidence, cheer you up and give you something to look forward to.
It’s not uncommon for people to lose contact with friends and family as life circumstances change - for example, if you have people who rely on your care, or if you become less mobile.
The benefits of maintaining a social life are worth the effort, because relationships and shared experiences are good for our wellbeing and quality of life. You don’t need to have a packed social calendar - just having a regular slot in your week to spend time with people can make a difference to how you feel.
The library wants to help everyone get the most out of life, which is why it has a programme of events and activities for you to explore.
Get the most up-to-date information about your library by finding your local library and contacting the staff directly.

Your communityLibraries bring people together

Community is free at the library

Find your community at the library

Connection for kids and carers at the library

Gathering is good for you

Start your journey
of discovery

🍪 Cookies on LibraryOn

Your communityLibraries bring people together

Community is free at the library

Find your community at the library

Connection for kids and carers at the library

Gathering is good for you

Start your journeyof discovery

Start your journey
of discovery