Your communityFind your community
“The great thing about the library is that it’s a public space where you don’t need to buy anything.”
Customer and volunteer, Wakefield Libraries
Free entry. Free seating. Free toilets. Free community.
The library is the main community hub in many villages, towns and cities across the country. It acts as a gateway to friendship, hobbies, culture and support for many.
Diane in Sandal, Wakefield, says:
"I was feeling a bit lonely and needed more in my life than just my art club. I started going to the library, and the staff were so welcoming.
We set up the Friends of Sandal Library group and decided to try and raise enough money to redevelop some land at the rear of the library into a dementia-friendly garden.
We worked hard to raise a good amount of money through grants and community funding.
Today the garden has a wheelchair accessible path, a little children’s lawn, a sheltered place to park pushchairs and a summer house.
We grow flowers, fruit, vegetables - and when people take out books they can take away some produce as well, for a small donation!
Most of us are novice gardeners. We’ve built a nice bond, and it’s a healthy activity - it’s nice to be outdoors and it’s good for your mental health."
Why try the library
Hobby groups
Find craft and interest groups - including book groups - at many libraries. Great whether you're an expert or a beginner
Accessible spaces
Libraries often host activities designed for the health and wellbeing of people with additional needs
Support hub
Charities help library customers find peer support from people with similar experiences
“We get a lot of the same people coming back… so we know we’re doing something right.”
Floor manager, Halton Libraries
Tips for finding your community at the library
Drop in
“Go in and see what groups your library has,” advises Diane in Wakefield. “There’s so much on offer, even in smaller libraries.”
Keep an eye out for posters and pamphlets advertising things you might be interested in - and ask the staff. They are there to make sure you get the most from your library.
Take the kids (or grandkids)
Children make friends easily - and when they do it’s a great opportunity to strike up conversation with their parents, grandparents or carers.
Find out what’s on
Find your local library’s website and browse the events and activities.
If they don’t have listings it’s also worth searching Eventbrite, which some libraries use to promote things they’re putting on.
Learn about the facilities
Did you know many libraries have rooms you can hire?
If you’d like to start up your own group, visit your library’s website or contact staff to find out if they have space suitable for you.
