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The Love Libraries award moves towards an exciting climax today with Lancaster Library’s Get it Loud project facing four rivals in a public vote to decide the winner. The award celebrates the work libraries do with young people and attracted 48 nominations from across England.
Lancaster Library’s Get it Loud project offers a library experience with a difference with some of the hottest new bands performing in the library. The gigs are bringing in diverse crowds, introducing people to all the great things the library has to offer, and sending them away with smiles on their faces.
The winner of the Love Libraries award will receive a Trophy and £2,000 towards the project.
Voting starts on Monday 13th August and closes on Friday 14th September with the winner being announced at an awards ceremony in London on Wednesday 3rd October.
John Dolan, Head of Library Policy at the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) said: “This is a really exciting time for libraries and the outstanding quality of entries we received show just how innovative and cutting edge libraries are when it comes to engaging with young people. The competition is intense but to me the five projects are already winners because they have proven their services are relevant and responsive to young people today.”
David Lightfoot, Head of Library and Information Services, Lancashire City Council said:
“It does not get much louder than this, it is absolutely brilliant. Get it Loud in Libraries started with an idea from one front line member of staff who had an understanding of what young people wanted. He had a passion and vision that sold the idea and he has led a team that has made it happen. We have grown from having a 'gig' in one library to an international library network that is seeing these groups perform in the United States as well as libraries up and down the United Kingdom.”
Stewart Parsons, Music Librarian, Lancashire City Council said:
"The essence of Get It Loud in Libraries is simply to give young people, especially teenagers who love music, a fabulous time in a library and put them in the right frame of mind to use libraries again whether it's for novels, music, internet, quiet time, whatever. Get It Loud in Libraries offers modern, up to the minute excitement on teenager's terms in a safe, feel good environment."
The public can pick up a ballot paper at one of the nominated libraries or vote online at www.lovelibraries.co.uk where further information about the finalists can be found.
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