Libraries to be ‘poverty-proofed’ through new project

Arts Council England has provided £50,000 of funding for a project to help libraries become more welcoming to families experiencing poverty.

The project, a partnership between Libraries Connected, the membership body for public libraries, and charity Children North East, will use the charity’s ‘Poverty Proofing’ methodology to identify barriers preventing low-income families from accessing the full range of services libraries provide.

The audits will take place at libraries in Gateshead and two other English local authorities. They will involve talking to staff and library users as well as in-depth discussions with people affected by poverty who don’t currently use the libraries, including “mystery shopper” visits.

The research findings will be combined with existing evidence to develop recommendations to help the libraries improve access, participation, experience and long-term engagement for low-income families.

Isobel Hunter, chief executive of Libraries Connected, said: “There’s growing evidence that public libraries play a vital role in supporting early literacy and communications skills, helping young children prepare for and thrive at school.

“But families from the most deprived backgrounds are less likely to visit libraries, even though they are free and open to all. We’re excited to be working with Children North East to find those extra costs, unseen inequalities and experiences of exclusion that could prevent families making the most of their local library.”