Get It Loud in Libraries, the groundbreaking project from Lancaster Library has won in the Love Libraries Award 2007, beating off tough competition from four rivals in a public vote.
The Love Libraries Award, run by Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) celebrates the work library services do to inspire teenagers and young people under the age of 25. Lancaster Library is breathing new life into the service, with some of the latest bands performing exclusive gigs in the library and bringing in diverse crowds.
Representatives from each of the five finalist projects attended an Awards ceremony at the British Library in London earlier today, where the results of the public vote were announced by Roy Clare CBE, Chief Executive, MLA Partnership. Lancaster Library was awarded with a trophy and £2,000 towards their project.
Presenting the award Roy Clare said “Congratulations to Lancaster Library and their innovative Get It Loud in Libraries project. This competition has unlocked the enthusiasm of young people across England. Libraries are transforming as places where the young of all ages can come and engage with books and learning and do so in spaces that serve their community. The results reveal the fantastic work that libraries are doing to engage with younger audiences. The competition confirmed that young people hold a key to the future of library services. We have been delighted by the public voting response and by the evidence that libraries are adapting to meet the changing needs of new audiences.”
Launched in May, over 33% of public libraries in England nominated projects for the award. The four highly commended finalists were:
