EVERYDAY CREATIVITY - ELTHAM LIBRARY, GREENWICH “You have to really have a belief in the creativity of people. People are innate creators” Eltham Library was founded in 1906, it is funded by the Royal Borough of Greenwich and run by GLL under the brand name Better. Alongside delivering core library activities, staff encourage members of the community to bring their ideas to the space and work to support their projects or group activities. Examples include community-led reading groups, poetry events, projects that support groups to connect with schools with library support and a Crotchet and Natter group - all of which have a ‘ripple effect’ on engagement and the building of connections. Library Manager, Miriam, notes how overturning perceptions about what a library service is and can be is an ongoing challenge, and therefore nurturing relationships externally is vital. However, ‘no conversation is wasted’ as these build towards the library’s reputation as a space that is open and inviting of other people’s creative ideas. Miriam says “We need to reframe what creativity is. Creativity presents itself in such a wide range of ways. Everyday Creativity is about the things we do everyday. That’s not necessarily things on a grand scale. You might not be able to go to the opera everyday but you might be able to listen to it on the radio or come to the library and read a book about it. That’s creative. I led a canvas making workshop on Saturday. I’m not trained as an artist and got asked ‘what’s your artistic background?’ but we all have an artistic connection and all those people created something. It’s about rethinking how we can access creativity on a daily basis on our terms”. Creating practical ways and platforms for individuals and groups to showcase their work is frequently requested and therefore the library is in the process of developing a permanent community gallery wall and sourcing display cabinets. Where this has been the case, exhibits have ‘opened up all sorts of conversations about #creativity #libraries #community #connections Arts Council England Diana Edmonds Daniela Hislop Carol Valentine. At thedesignconcept we design with and for creativity! https://lnkd.in/erFkWDQd
Creatively is a good thing.
Eltham Library is a genuinely creative space. It looks beautiful - an old building beautifully restored - with The Enchanted Garden, a creative play space for children funded by Arts Council (England) and designed around the stories by E Nesbit, sited alongside the main library. The creativity of the staff spreads in all directions - ranging from arts activities for adults and for children through to the new community garden, reclaimed from unused space and grown in reclaimed containers. Eltham Library is always a pleasure to visit - everyday creativity abounds in Eltham!