An update on our consultation project...

Over the past few weeks, we have been seeking your thoughts & suggestions about our idea to transform some of the first floor of Stirchley Library into a community art room.

Sarah spoke to attendees at a recent Stirchley Forum meeting, we had a stall at the Stirchley Late Summer Bash at the end of August (seems like a long time ago!), and we have been in the library on the past two Saturdays working alongside other community events.
On Heritage Open Day we invited visitors to show some love for the library by making origami library hearts and adding thoughts about the past, present and future of the library to a copy of the rather beautiful architectural plans. Earlier today we teamed up with Lego Club to help children think about what the library of the future might look like. Amongst our favourite ideas were rooftop gardens, slides between floors and robotic arms to help select books! Very cool. 
Lots of people have shared their thoughts with us - both by filling in our online form and by commenting on our consultation flyers. Happily, these responses have been overwhelmingly positive... 

"The arts are a vital part of our society & funding a permanent art room at Stirchley Library would be a great asset to the local community. It would also encourage young people to use the libraries. Win-win."

"Fantastic! My family love Stirchley Library and love art & craft activities. They would love to do some more local art activities.
As a trainee play therapist ... I am aware of much evidence of the positive impact of art, creative & community activities on healthy brain development & social skills for children."

"What a great idea for our community. 
A space where our kids could come and learn and develop skills, a safe space to meet other people or to be inspired.
Somewhere to try things out if i can't afford to buy materials yet. Also, to keep the library open in essential."

We are going to continue to ask people about our plans during the course of the feasibility study (in partnership with Apec Architects, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund) - please spread the word and keep letting us know what you think!

Nicki