North East, Kent and Newcastle Libraries Shortlisted for Libraries Change Lives Award
The CILIP 2011 Libraries Change Lives Shortlist has been announced. SCL supports best practices in libraries and the Libraries Change Lives award is an excellent way to highlight and encourage excellence in library services.
Libraries Change Lives Shortlist:
1. The NEALIS project
(North East Accessible Library and Information Services)Providing improving library, information and reading services to blind and partially sighted people throughout North East England, this is a wide ranging partnership project across a variety of organisations including 12 public library authorities, and is endorsed by the Society of Chief Librarians and Share the Vision Six Steps pledge.
2. Making the Difference: Opportunities for Adults With Learning Disabilities
(Kent Libraries and Archives)An innovative project that welcomes adults with learning disabilities into libraries and works with them to develop services that meet their needs, and help them to lead more active lives in their communities.
3. Our Tyneside & The History Club (Newcastle City Libraries)A pioneering partnership that engages adults with learning difficulties with their local heritage and family histories through practical, skill-developing activities, guided tours and talks in a safe and friendly environment.
Now in its 20th year, the Libraries Change Lives Award, which is open to all UK libraries, highlights and rewards partnership projects that change lives, bring people together and demonstrate innovation and creativity. Since it began in 1992, the award has had a significant impact on the library world and local communities nationwide. Previous winners include Bookstart – first piloted by Birmingham Libraries – which has now reached 3 millions babies and their parents across the UK, and has been recognised as making a significant difference to literacy and numeracy levels in primary schools.
The final judging for this year’s award is underway, and the winner will be announced on Wednesday 13th July by author and libraries campaigner Alan Gibbons at the Umbrella Conference in Hatfield. The winning library receives a trophy and prize money of £4,000, with the other two finalists each receiving £1500.