at how older residents and non-native English speakers can benefit from repurposed digital devices. Working with Westway Trust the library encourages residents to donate old, working devices which are then securely wiped, refurbished and distributed to those who need them.
Westway Trust utilises devices for community-based digital skills classes, helping people apply for jobs, access benefits, book medical appointments, and stay safe online. And North Kensngton Library is able to offer loans to individuals through its Home Library Service. This is coupled with one-to-one assistance and group sessions to help people cross the digital divide. As well as cutting e-waste, Circular Technology will also reduce inequality and isolation for hundreds of people.
London, North Paddington Nature Pilgrimage (SDG: Climate Action; Life on Land; Quality Education) Paddington Library and Paddington Trust worked together to develop a Camino style walking route through the heart of one of the UK’s most deprived and densely populated areas. Many of North Paddington’s residents live in flats with little access to outdoor space of their own, impacting negatively on children’s health and wellbeing. One in two leave primary school over- weight and one in six have poor mental health. A circular, fully accessible six-kilometre walking route that takes in Paddington, Maida Vale, and Queen’s Park libraries along with other community venues. Participants can com- plete the trail in one go, or take it in sections and collecting stamps on their Nature Pilgrim Passports along the way. QR codes on the route link to local history information and a series of markers, created by local children in library work- shops, offer advice on how to support wildlife and biodiversity in the area.
Musselburgh, TechTalk, an Intergenerational Dis- cussion and Book Group (SDG: Quality Education; Reduced Inequalities This initiative is about bringing skills from different generations together to help everyone gain a better understanding of new technology and the opportunities and challenges it can bring. While many younger people report that they are confident around digital safety, adults often do not – exposing a tension around the risks posed by misinformation, online prejudice or exploitation. The Musselburgh project brings adults and young people together so that can learn from and with each other. Tech Talk, delivered in partnership with Connected Com- munities, sees young people, families, and professionals hold conversations about technology, inspired by books. Aimed at children between nine and 12, the project also includes
older peer mentors with everyone working together to build a resource tool kit. Training around digital literacy skills is also delivered to help foster a broad understanding of technology and how it can impact on young people’s lives. It is hoped that the project will directly impact 2,500 young people, with many more being reached across social media.
Newcastle, The Culture Library (SDG: Good Health and Wellbeing; Reduced Inequalities) The Culture Library is a partnership between Newcastle Libraries and West End Refugee Service, co-created with ref- ugees, asylum seekers, and other migrants living in the area. Designed to make libraries more inclusive and open to people whose first language is not English. The project includes Prac- tise English sessions, helping to meet demand for language support and also provides signposting to vital services such as healthcare, housing and asylum assistance. Improving representation in library stock is also a key com- ponent of the project and builds on that co-creation model. The library service and WERS work with local community stakeholders to deliver a cultural events programme, that includes books groups, storytimes, art and music sessions that reflect diverse cultures and traditions. As part of that engage- ment work, participants are invited to help curate multilingual collections helping to ensure shelves are stocked with repre- sentative books and resources.
Paignton Community Histories, Shared Stories (SDG Good Health and Wellbeing; Reduced Inequalities) Paignton Library staff looked at how to engage families from diverse cultural backgrounds, who were isolated from the local community. The key was to build connections, with Commu- nity Histories, Shared Stories inviting minoritised commu- nity groups to co-create a community zine that reflects their cultures, memories, and daily lives.
Participants of all ages will take part in creative workshops helping them to create art, poetry, recipes, photographs and other art forms to tell their stories. The initiative will conclude with a community launch of the zine, alongside cultural food and music. Organisers said: “By highlighting lived experience in participants’ own voices, the zine becomes a living record of cultural pride, exchange, and representation.”
A community of communities
The Europe Challenge is helping to unite innovative library ser- vices from across Europe, often facing difficult circumstances – ranging from funding pressure to war in Ukraine. The challenge has worked with more than 300 services, helping to create lasting legacies, share knowledge and engage local communities. There are a range of free resources available to all library services on The Europe Challenge website. To find out more visit
https://theeuropechallenge.eu IP
Winter 2025 INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL DIGITAL 39
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