Brighton and Hove Libraries Services: Evolving in Conversation

Introducing Brighton and Hove Libraries Services

Brighton and Hove Libraries Services are free and open to everyone. There are 14 libraries across the city.

Jubilee Library is the fifth most visited library in the UK, achieving approximately one million visits a year.

Of the 14 libraries, 8 are in shared buildings where other services are delivered such as a children's centre, community centre and GP surgery.

Our audiences

The libraries cater for a broad cross-section of the community.

Evolving in Conversation particularly targeted 13 - 34 year olds and adult learners, due to a drop-off in library card holders within this age group.

On average 56% of library users (rising to 64% in Jubilee Library) are 'invisible users' who do not use a library card to take out books or use library PCs but are using other services.

The project

We applied to Grants for the Arts for support with a year-long project in partnership with Photoworks, New Writing South and South East Dance.

We wanted to work together to engage communities who do not commonly engage in arts activities and/or with libraries.

The project consisted of three overlapping phases centred around the theme 'How Can Individuals Make Society Change'.

The theme was explored through free photography, writing and dance workshops and artist commissions, which led to a showcase event at the end of each phase.

There was also a professional day for staff, artists and facilitators at each stage to contribute to the development and evaluation of the project.

Project aims

• To engage communities who do not commonly engage in arts activities and/or with libraries
• To strengthen partnerships
• To cultivate a learning environment
• To engage artists with opportunities
• To explore potential of co-creation through community engagement

Download the case study to read more