LIBRARIES ARE AMAZING
Over the last year and a half – ish, I have been working on a thing called Possibilities Club at the invite of Maria Brewster under the ‘At The Library’ project. Based in Bootle library I have worked with Christ Church Primary School in Bootle – and their awesome teacher, Miss Ebo – as well as running a summer Possibilities Club and visiting other Bootle locals at The Bootle Tool Shed. Mainly, I love libraries and I love the idea that anything is possible so the aim began very simply: to get children feeling powerful, especially when it came to using the library and being creative with that space that belongs to them, to everyone.
Gradually it became a practical project with the outcome of making over the kids section of the library. They have made do with hand-me-down graphics and objects for a long time and it’s time they had something special. So, the walls have been transformed, the upholstery has been transformed and there is a whole new piece of furniture designed just for them.
We will be launching the new-look at Bootle Library from 2pm onwards in Bootle Library. There will refreshments. There will be school children. There will be glorious colours. Please do come and see and USE YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY x x x Some sneak peeks including here from everyone, but me..
I need to thank all those that have collaborated on the project in some way. The library staff come first, all of them for not batting an eyelid when 16 kids had sprawled themselves across the floor and other interesting moments, but especially Val for letting us run (mostly) free and to Owen and Keri for their help at the weekly clubs. Lesley and Andrew at Sefton Council for their support and Eddy at Bootle Tool shed for being a legend and being so generous with his time and knowledge. To all those who helped to run the weekly workshops; Hannah Bitowski, Flis Mitchell, Paula Hampson, Andrew Small, Nathan Jones and Laura Robertson. Flis Mitchell also for her sharp and swift administrative support. The beautiful fabric print of my new designs from BeFabBeCreative, the upholstery to die for from Imogen Woodings (aka Bluebird Upholstery), the transformation of scrappy photoshopped sketches and a balsa wood maquette into an exquisite piece of furniture by Matt Kelly of Plaey, Holly Bagnall‘s gorgeous Possibilities Club and lastly, Maria Brewster for being cool, calm and totally trusting in the Process. What an epic team!