L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:05 Page 1

Writers’ Centre Norwich & New Writing South

Building Partnerships A Toolkit for Literature Organisations and Libraries L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:05 Page 2 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:05 Page 3

Contents

1 Introduction and Purpose 4 2 Reasons to Collaborate 5 3 National Overview 6 4 Outline Profiles 9 4 4.1 The Library Sector 9 4 4.1 (including survey headlines) 4 4.2 Relevant national organisations 12 4 4.1 and their current key focus 4 4.3 Relevant local organisations and festivals 13 5 What makes good partnerships – Case Studies 14 6 Partnerships and the Universal Reading Offer 26 7 Funding 28 4 7.1 Funding opportunities from 28 4 7.1 Arts Council England (ACE) 4 7.2 Top tips for applying to Grants for the Arts 28 4 7.3 Strategic Commissioning 30 4 7.4 Useful funding websites 30 8 Evaluation Frameworks 31 9 Contact Lists and Maps 33 4 9.1 Library Services and School Library Services 33 4 9.2 Relevant national organisations 38 4 9.3 Relevant regional literature organisations 42 4 9.3 and publishers 4 9.4 Bridge Organisations 50 4 9.5 Relevant regional literature and art festivals 51 4 9.5 (with literature arm)

Literature and Libraries in the South East and East www.bop.co.uk 3 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:05 Page 4

1 Introduction and Purpose

In libraries and library services, New character. Our relationship with local toolkit and the research behind it can Writing South (NWS) and Writers’ and central government, the private form a part of this discussion. Centre Norwich (WCN) recognise and third sectors is changing. The organisations and individuals who nature of the technologies and public Our thanks go to the individual share our passion for reading and spaces with which we deal are librarians, library services, and chief writing and the great things that changing and the social functions librarians, ACE Officers, national, reading and writing can do for us all. we are expected to fulfil are wider regional and local literature and Whether it is the power that reading and more difficult to measure than literacy organisations who have helped can give an individual or a community ever before. us in this research. There was a great in finding a voice, self- expression and deal more material available than we discovery through reading and writing, Despite the challenges and tough could ever hope to present in this overcoming isolation in the discovery decisions that are coming, we still short toolkit, but we hope that what of a shared love of books or simply share a commitment to the power of is presented is useful, productive the power of the information that reading and writing to achieve positive and relevant. libraries, librarians and books make social change. It is in this spirit that this available to us all, we share a belief in Toolkit has been assembled as part the social and artistic power of reading of a piece of research commissioned and writing. by Arts Council England (ACE) from WCN and NWS. NWS and WCN have worked fruitfully and enthusiastically with Our primary aim was to learn libraries over a number of years. We as much as we could about how are part of a national network of libraries currently work with literary literature agencies that embraces, organisations and professionals of all encourages and promotes all writing kinds – from sole writers to major and reading activity. We care publishers and national agencies – passionately about our audiences, both and to get a clear picture of this work writers and readers as core to our across the South East and East regions. mission and key to our working In order that this research was not practices. We believe that both WCN simply an audit of activity, we have and NWS have a commonality with also tried to explore some of the the Library sector: we all work with ways in which we might be able to writers, with publishers and with build new bridges between literature readers and audiences. We all work to organisations and libraries so that ensure children and young people are we might work even more closely given every opportunity to develop a in the future. love of books and reading through our programmes of events and long term Our funders and stakeholders are schemes and we all embrace the full increasingly asking us to work more spectrum of the communities in which collaboratively, economically, effectively we live and work. and coherently. If we are to lead the discussion about how this is to Both the arts sector and libraries are happen, rather than react to a experiencing degrees of change conversation held above our heads, unprecedented in scope and speed. we must know how to work with each Our funding base is shifting. Our other in the most strategically useful, audiences, readers and users are practically successful and creatively changing in nature, location and satisfying ways. We hope that this

Literature and Libraries in the South East and East www.bop.co.uk 4 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:05 Page 5

2 Reasons to collaborate

This research has shown that libraries and literature organisations in the South East and East collaborate in all sorts of ways – here are some over-arching reasons why it makes sense to work together.

Collaboration between literature organisations and libraries:

• produces high quality creative experiences that engage a wide range of people in the discovery and enjoyment of reading and writing

• brings together, rather than duplicates, complementary expertise of literature organisations and libraries (e.g. in working with writers or with local communities)

• builds a vibrant, joined-up offer for reading and writing within the cultural life of a place and community as a whole

• builds the sustainability for reading and writing in a highly challenging economic climate – through pooling resources, strengthening funding bids (e.g. to ACE or towards strategic commissioning from local authorities) and through collective advocacy.

Literature and Libraries in the South East and East www.bop.co.uk 5 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:05 Page 6

3 National Overview

The current financial climate is couple of years. In August 2010, the Arts Council’s vision for the arts to concentrating all our minds on what Local Government Group (LGG) and embrace the museums and libraries we value in the arts and public services the Department for Culture Media sectors. Key goals outlined and shared and how this can be sustained in the and Sport (DCMS) set up the Future by the arts museums and libraries, light of spending cuts. Libraries programme to “support which provide a backdrop for their library services through the challenging collaboration are: At this stage, the consequences for financial climate and to ensure they 1 Excellence is thriving and celebrated public libraries are still unclear. “A year continued to play a central role in in arts, museums and libraries. ago it was predicted that 600 libraries communities”. The learning from ten 2 More people experience and could go, yet so far, only 32 in the UK funded pilot projects was brought are inspired by arts, museums have closed. [...] But with financial together in the publication Future and libraries. pressures on councils now greater Libraries: Change, options and how to get 3 The arts, museums and libraries are than ever, there are fears that future there in August 2011 (http://ww.local.gov.uk sustainable, resilient and innovative. years could look very different. Public /c/document_library/get_file?uuid=c6349d6d- 4 The leadership and workforce are Libraries News lists 407 libraries as 7b26-49e4-aee5b476de21ecbb&groupId=10161), diverse and highly skilled. being at risk of closure, with many which identified four reform models to 5 Every child and young person more expected come the new budget help ensure the survival of libraries in has opportunity to experience year in April. In addition, the move the 21st century: the richness of arts, museums towards community-run library and libraries. schemes in place of outright closures • Service location and distribution; ie has its critics [...]” (National Library new approaches to co-location Within this the ACE also stresses Day marks a year of protests against • New provider models; ie delivering opportunities with regards to library closures, February 2012, library services with new partners economies of scale, digital media, guardian.co.uk). or in different arrangements such as knowledge-sharing, cross-promotion trusts, private sector providers or life-long learning and innovative At the same time there are positive other council partners approaches to community engagement. regional examples of refurbishments, • Shared services across council (http://ww.artscouncil.org.uk/media/uploads/pdf/culture relocations and new libraries opening, boundaries; ie the idea of “joining _knowledge_and_understanding_final010312.pdf) such as in 2012 the Kent History and forces with neighbouring authorities Library Centre in Maidstone and the to make stretched resources In its role as the development agency new Dorking library in Surrey. go further” for the library sector, ACE has • Empowering communities to do launched two major initiatives: the Some of the emerging impacts things their way; ie harnessing the continuation of the Future Libraries on libraries are becoming clear. support from “local people who programme through the Library It is a period of unprecedented want to play a more active role in Development Initiative (see below for change encompassing: running libraries” further information) and Envisioning • The emergence of new forms of the library of the future, a major reading and access to information ACE officially took over national programme of research and • The development of new structures strategic responsibilities for libraries in consultation launched in February such as trust/charity status (ie October 2011 with a ‘commitment to 2012, which includes online Peterborough, Luton, Suffolk) library development’. Its key consultation and inputs from key • An increasing involvement of and publication, Culture, Knowledge and players in the sector through guest reliance on volunteers to provide Understanding: Great Museums and blog entries such as the National added value to the service Libraries for Everyone, developed Literacy Trust (NLT). (http://libraries through consultation with the sector, conversation.wordpress.com/) This is reflected in the strategic sits alongside Achieving Great Art for thought and development that has Everyone, and provides a ten-year Other government initiatives will taken place in the sector in the past strategic framework that builds on the continue to influence future

Literature and Libraries in the South East and East www.bop.co.uk 6 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:05 Page 7

developments and these include: people as possible across the country: • Creative People and Places Fund: This fund focuses on investment in • The Henley review of cultural • Bridge Organisations: A portfolio of parts of the country where peoples’ education in England, which organisations tasked with acting as a involvement in the arts is significantly specifically recommends the bridge between the arts, culture and below the national average, with the development of libraries in all education sectors (see Section 8.4 for aim of increasing the likelihood of schools (6.5) and more generally more information) participation. In several funded ‘learning about literature’ (4.6); projects, libraries are acting as • The Select Committee enquiry • National Portfolio Organisations project partners. Applications are into library closures and what (NPOs): This new funding now closed. constitutes a comprehensive and programme, replacing the previous (http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/funding/apply- efficient library service. ACE Regularly Funded Organisations for-funding/strategic-funding/commissioned- programme (RFOs), was launched in grants/creative-people-and-places-fund/) Literature organisations and libraries April 2012 and provides funding for have different missions: 696 arts organisations in England • Grants for the Arts: This is a including WCN and NWS. rolling programme, funded through • Libraries focus on encouraging • (http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/funding/apply-for- the National Lottery, for activities people to read more widely and funding/national-portfolio-funding-programme/) carried out over a set period, which more often in order to support a engage people in England in arts range of objectives from developing • Libraries Development Initiative activities and help artists and arts literacy and supporting access to (LDI): Phase two of the Future organisations in England carry out learning opportunities, active Libraries programme, building on the their work. ACE welcomes citizenship and reading as a social achievements of and continuing with applications from libraries and activity via reading groups, to playing the partnership approach developed involving libraries, for a wide range a key role in community support, in phase one. It is a funding initiative of artistic activity. such as providing health information providing support for innovative (http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/grantsforthearts) or job support. library projects with the aim of • Literature organisations are funded piloting approaches to library service • Libraries Grants for the Arts fund: by the ACE to develop literature and delivery that are “innovative, locally ACE will make available an additional writing as an art-form in all its appropriate, enterprising and offer £6 million of National Lottery different aspects. strong business models from which funded Grants for the arts to others can learn”, and which “begin libraries from September 2012. But there is much that both share to understand the impact of an (www.artscouncil.org.uk/what-we-do/ underpinned by a shared aim to integrated arts and cultural offer supporting-libraries) encourage people's discovery and within local communities”. enjoyment of reading, writing and Applications are now closed and • Strategic Touring Programme: This literature. A range of good practice is 13 library projects, encompassing funding programme is designed to now being harnessed to support new 50 library services, have been encourage collaboration between partnerships between literature chosen to test new approaches organisations, so that more people organisations and libraries along with to library service delivery within across England experience the arts, other arts organisations. Opportunities the framework of Culture, particularly in places which rely on include a number of funds and Knowledge and Understanding touring for much of their arts initiatives from the ACE that between April 2012 – March 2013. provision. Libraries provide a wide- particularly invite collaborative (http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/funding/apply- reaching cultural infrastructure approaches between libraries, for-funding/libraries-development-initiative/) nationwide. (http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/ literature and other arts organisations, (see Appendix for a full list of all funding/apply-for-funding/strategic-funding/grant- in order to provide great artistic and chosen projects) programmes/strategic-touring-programme/) cultural experiences for as many

Literature and Libraries in the South East and East www.bop.co.uk 7 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:05 Page 8

More information on these available consists of universal library sign up to funds from ACE and other possible a baseline reading offer supported by sources can be found in Section 7 a national toolbox of programmes, of the Toolkit. partnerships and calendar spikes enhanced by regional and local A further important development at initiatives.” The Reading Agency is national library level is the creation of aiming for a 100% sign-up rate to the four national offers by the Society of Universal Reading Offer by all Local Chief Librarians (SCL) in the areas of Authorities across the country. reading, health and well being, information and ‘digital’. The Reading The Reading Agency is also leading Agency is working with SCL on this work with SCL to develop a shared new “Universal Reading Offer” public library health offer integrating strategy to help combat the effects of health information and creative reading cuts by retaining and developing activity. An important driver for this shared reading programmes with work will be the new Arts Council- inbuilt economies of scale. The funded Library Development Initiative; Universal Reading Offer (URO) which includes a shared Books on creates a shared reading calendar; Prescription project combined with combines impact evidence into a creative reading activity. shared evidence bank and retains the investment of key partners from the For more information on the Universal creative industries. The Universal Reading Offer and how it supports Reading Offer is “a new strategy to partnerships, see Section 6 of the Toolkit. keep the momentum going in hard times”. As SCL’s chair of the Books and Reading Group, Tony Durcan, says: “The age of austerity will end; we have to think about the future. Let’s not implement cuts in a way that ends up with a uniformly grey, dull offer to the public, without any real social impact. [...] There is evidence of a huge public demand for our reading groups, author events, rhyme times [...]. The new strategy we’re proposing is about us all putting our collective energy into a few really big things to keep the sparkle going.”

The Reading Agency describes the Universal Reading Offer as “focusing on doing fewer, bigger things together to deliver economies of scale and share best practice whilst keeping partners on board and strengthening the ability to evidence impact on local authority priorities. The strategy

Literature and Libraries in the South East and East www.bop.co.uk 8 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:05 Page 9

4 Outline profiles

access to newspapers and the building new relationships and reaching 4.1 internet. They have a strong new audiences to both increase and information role and have prioritised diversify their user base. The Library developing reading and learning, digital skills and services and community Whilst not all libraries’ activities focus Sector cohesion and civic values. They are on reading and literature, libraries important community centres running consider the promotion of literacy, Libraries play a key role in the an active programme of events for spreading the ‘enjoyment of reading’ community and for many, are ‘a lot local people and local community and broadening readers’ choices as an more than just buildings’. As Viv Bird groups. They are used by a wide important part of their work and a key from Booktrust says: demographic audience, including hard reason for the engagement in reader to reach groups. development activities. As survey “Libraries are about community results below show, 51.7% of libraries space. The best libraries are more than Most libraries run CYP, parent and in the South East and East have a [a collection of ] books – they bring family activities – providing children Reader Development Strategy and the community together.” with education from early on and staff specialising in reader ‘giving children a better start in life’ development. Most libraries run or Generally funded, managed and run by were mentioned as key reasons for support reading and literature Local Authorities (LA) on a statutory reader development activities in a activities such as book groups and basis (with some exceptions where, library survey conducted for this ‘meet the author’ events. To support whilst the duty to ensure the service toolkit (see below). Libraries offer this, most libraries (100% in the survey remains with the LA, the running of shared activities for parents / carers, below) tap into a wide range of the library has been delegated), public families and children to do together, available national literature activities libraries fulfil a crucial role as part of leading to positive outcomes for adults and initiatives such as World Book Day the community support structures, as well as children; for example, building / Night. Equally, whilst less regularly (on frequently supplying a wide range of skills and confidence in reading to average less than once a month services. It is important for libraries to children. Book award schemes with according to the survey), many be able to demonstrate the value of local schools or book groups for young libraries also run related activities in their activities to council priorities. children are popular activities in partnership with local literature / Participation levels both on a regular bringing new literature to children and reader development and arts basis and at ‘special events’ play an their teachers. Some Local Authorities organisations. Engagement here varies important role in libraries’ measures run dedicated School Library Services from providing venue space to full of performance. Library Services vary that have service level agreements joint planning of activities. considerably in size and consequently with the public libraries to ensure total audience numbers; within the complementarity and provide a traded More information about these activities South East and East, they range from service which schools can buy in to. and the activities of relevant national 5 branch libraries in Bedford Borough As services with a particular remit for and local organisations can be found to 99 libraries and 11 mobile libraries reader engagement with young people, in the survey headlines below and in in Kent. they are considered experienced in sections 4.2 and 4.3 of the Toolkit. reader development work. Libraries work across a wide range of Recent trends in visitor demographics agendas and with a wide range of Libraries aim to be inclusive, providing and user behaviour have centred on partners both within and outside the accessible activities for disabled people libraries’ changing role in the Local Authority. People access their (for example reading groups for the community, with falling numbers of services from within the library visually impaired) or for ‘harder to active borrowers and increased buildings, on-line and via mobile library reach’ groups who are not usually demand for other services. Changing services. They lend out DVDs and library users. For the libraries, these demographics in the local community, music as well as books and provide activities are an important way of in particular the aging population, play

Literature and Libraries in the South East and East www.bop.co.uk 9 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:05 Page 10

a key role in shaping the offer libraries to gauge a picture of their Headlines from of individual libraries and the current situation and discuss options. Library Survey development of specific activities As the below survey shows, joint for this visitor group. activities are clearly part of libraries’ As part of the research for this Toolkit, work and libraries are keen for this to a survey was sent out to all Library A further important trend for libraries continue in the future. Services in the South East and East is the increased focus on self-service regions. Based on 29 responses, it and online activities – there has been a A list of all Library Service and School had a highly positive completion rate, noticeable rise in visits to public library Library Service contacts in the South with only one library service not websites in recent years, with visits East and East is provided in Section 8.1 responding. Whilst the survey, along increasing by 19% in 2007/08 alone. of the Toolkit. with information gained from An increased provision of library interviews with key sector players, services online is likely to have There are also a number of sector has already served to inform the contributed to this growth, particularly umbrella organisations, which play an above ‘Outline profile’ of the library access to library catalogues and the important role bringing libraries sector, the following section gives the ability to reserve and renew loans together and supporting cross- full headlines from the survey. These over the internet. Whilst all libraries communication, spearheading provide further interesting insight into now have an online platform as part of developments and providing a joint libraries’ reader development activities their Local Authority website, there voice for the sector. Key amongst as well as their key reasons for doing are however major differences in the these are: so. It also highlights the barriers level of online information and • The Society of Chief Librarians libraries perceive to engaging in joint activities from simple events calendars (SCL): a peer support organisation work, as well as the support needed to interactive features for target which provides regional networks for to be able to continue developing audiences. In evidence of the increased heads of libraries to share best joint reader development activities relevance of libraries’ digital offer, The practices and works to develop in the future. Reading Agency in 2011 published a public libraries and promote their report titled Libraries and Digital, value and contribution. The SCL Libraries’ Reader Development looking into the use of digital media in together with The Reading Agency Strategies and work with LAs libraries to develop audiences for developed the new library reading • 51.72% of libraries have a Reader reading. They found that whilst libraries strategy for 2012-15, the Universal Development (RD) Strategy are enthusiastic about online reader Reading Offer (see Section 5) • 51.72% of libraries have staff development and social media and • The Association of Senior Childrens’ specialising in RD (between recognise its relevance, many currently and Education Librarians (ASCEL): 1 and 10) have difficulties around strategic a national membership network of • 93.1% of libraries work with the planning, staff confidence and council librarians “who work together to LA on RD activities IT infrastructures, which will need to stimulate developments and respond • • mostly regarding delivery, be overcome in future. to initiatives relating to children and supporting new audiences young people in public libraries and and publicity Libraries are clearly going through a educational services.” ASCEL are • • only 4 out of 27 respondents difficult period of restructuring, which active in the development of new mentioned fundraising is leaving many unsure of their future, policies and strategies, CPD, and the and which might bring difficulties in promotion and dissemination of Libraries’ Reader long-term planning and a perceived relevant discussion and information Development activities ‘risk’ in joint work. However, a key • The School Library Association (SLA): • 89.66% of libraries do their own message from the sector is that an association providing support to RD activities anyone interested in partnerships with school library staff and committed to • • Mostly Reading Groups, libraries but unsure about how, should “promoting high quality reading and Storytelling, work with CYP and engage in conversation with their local learning opportunities for all” vulnerable groups and meet the

Literature and Libraries in the South East and East www.bop.co.uk 10 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:05 Page 11

author events Funding and Target Groups Support libraries say they need to • • Only 13 out of 26 mentioned • 44.83% have accessed funding for develop RD activities online activities RD activities, 27.59% haven’t, 27.59% • Staff and funding support, resources • • 69.23% say they engage in own hope to in the future for staff training RD activities every week • • National funding is most frequent, • • More sustainable • 89.66% do RD work with schools followed by local business and funding opportunities • • 57.69% have a School Library local trusts/funds (most frequent • Examples of successful activities, Service (SLS). 42.31% don’t have examples: ACE’s Libraries database of support and funding a SLS and are not planning to Development Initiative, Reading organisations would be very useful establish one Agency funding); only 1 has • • Sharing best practice • 80.77% do RD work with adult received European funding • Affordable coordination of range education providers • • 9 out of 12 think it is easier to of activities • 65.52% of libraries work with local obtain funding for partnership • • “It will be important to use literature/ RD organisations, 10.34% projects partners, friends groups and don’t and 24.14% don’t yet but • 62.07% say they have specific target volunteers to support staff in the would like to in the future groups: largest groups are CYP and delivery of reader development” • • Frequent partners: local festivals, families, other groups given are • • “Continued relationships Children’s Centres, bookshops, visually impaired, groups who are not with publishers” local poetry / writing societies usually library users (i.e. homeless, • • Help finding authors • • Frequent activities: meet the prisoners, isolated women) • Shared marketing, national author events, live literature, promotion, publicity resources providing venue space, Key objectives for pursuing • • Raised perception of importance reading groups RD activities • Closer links between ACE, SCL • • Frequency: 52.63% said “less than • Increase library use and diversity and authorities once a month” of users • National and regional activities that • • Most replied that these activities • Promote literacy and broadening small authorities can tap into, leading are instigated both by libraries and readers’ choice, ‘enjoyment to a fairer spread of authors, events, literature organisations of reading’ activities amongst library authorities • 79.31% work with local arts and • Community support • • Realistic audience figures from cultural organisations such as and participation publishers/publicists for museums, theatres, art galleries, on • Education from early on, ‘giving author events themed author / history events etc., children a better start’ and • • Opportunities that are easy and 17.24% don’t yet but would like to lifelong learning quick to develop; realistic criteria in the future • Bringing people together for participation in (national) • • Most frequent partner programmes and activities organisations: theatres, art galleries, Main barriers to joint projects (i.e. regarding audience numbers, museums, festivals • Staff availability, capacity, time and venue space) • • Frequent activities: storytelling, expertise, if cuts are made author events, themed & seasonal • Resources and funding events, family learning (being reduced) • • Frequency: 72.73% said “less than • Promotion, overcoming once a month” public perceptions • 100% tap into national programmes • Expectations of funding bodies • • Most popular are World Book re. venue and audience size Day, World Book Night and • Ensuring sustainability BBC, Reading Agency and • The pressure of keeping libraries Booktrust activities open in the most efficient manner

Literature and Libraries in the South East and East www.bop.co.uk 11 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:05 Page 12

development of the Universal Reading 4.2 Offer by The Reading Agency and SCL (described above and in Section 5 of the Relevant national Toolkit). Other developments of note include The Reading Agency’s research organisations and into the role of technology for reading habits and libraries’ digital presence their current (see research report ‘Digital reading project, part of the Libraries key focus Development Initiative’), looking for new ways to develop cross-sector There a number of high-profile partnerships, and issues around national organisations, which focus on libraries and diversity as part of bringing literature and reader libraries’ community development. The development activities across the National Literacy Trust in turn focuses country and providing a strong voice in particular on literacy attainment and for the sector, such as The Reading is currently engaged in a campaign Agency, Booktrust and the National called ‘Words for Life’, which uses Literacy Trust. A further important targeted communication by working player is the BBC with its extensive with leading consumer brands to BBC Learning programme as well as encourage people from disadvantaged learning representatives in all regions. communities to take part in reading and literacy activities. These organisations run a variety of programmes and activities which More information on these organisations’ create opportunities for literature and roles and activities, as well as contact reader development, and which details, can be found in Section 9 of libraries and other organisations can the Toolkit. tap into locally. These include both nation-wide activities such as competitions and online resources (for example the BBC Short Story award or The Reading Agency’s Reading Groups for Everyone) as well as locally-implemented activities such as The Reading Agency’s Reading Partners scheme or Booktrust’s Bookgifting campaigns.

As nation-wide organisations with a certain amount of ‘clout’, these organisations also engage in relevant research of their own as well as awareness-raising campaigns, policy advice and lobbying, and the development of relevant support structures. Perhaps currently most prominent in this area is the

Literature and Libraries in the South East and East www.bop.co.uk 12 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:05 Page 13

A further group of key players are 4.3 ACE’s new ‘Bridge Organisations’ which are funded to ensure that Relevant local “every child and young person has the opportunity to experience the organisations richness of the arts and culture”. Bridge Organisations use their and festivals experience and expertise to provide a direct connection between children Literature organisations and young people, schools and communities and organisations in the As well as national organisations, a cultural sector, including museums and large number of regional and local libraries. By developing a bridge organisations of all shapes and sizes – between the arts and education from larger, ACE funded organisations sectors, the aim is to improve the to local non-subsidised societies – are delivery of arts opportunities for delivering a variety of literature and children and young people. More reading development activities information can be found at throughout the South East and East http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/what-we-do/our- regions. Whilst many focus on certain priorities-2011-15/children-and-young-people/ aspects of the literature sector (from bridge-organisations/ reading and writing support to publishing and poetry events), many Festivals run regular and individual events for audiences in their local areas. These A large (and increasing) number can be everything from regular live of local literature festivals and arts literature events in theatre settings festivals take place throughout the such as those run by Lewes Live South East and East each year. Literature, to community events such These are ‘special events’ which as ‘Portsmouth reads Dickens’. Many provide an easily identifiable platform of these organisations also engage in for literature-related activities and work with key target groups such as often attract a number of high-profile schools-based events or, for example, authors to participate. Many of Hammer and Tongue’s slam poetry these festivals engage in a range of events in prisons. partnership activities with local venues including libraries, and provide events Arts organisations for varied audiences including children and families. Work with literature and libraries also happens within wider arts Further information and contact details organisations’ programmes. A UK-wide to all larger local organisations, Bridge map of all ACE funded National Organisations and Festivals are provided Portfolio Organisations, which cover in Section 9.3 – 9.5 of the Toolkit. A map a range of art forms including dance, of festivals in the South East and East literature, music, theatre and the visual can be found in the Appendix. arts, can be found here and includes links to each organisation: http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/funding/apply-for- funding/national-portfolio-organisations-map/

Literature and Libraries in the South East and East www.bop.co.uk 13 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:05 Page 14

5 What makes good partnerships – Case Studies

Our research has shown that there planned, to knit together different Engagement with particular are a number of key characteristics specialisms and aims from the outset. target groups of successful collaborations between The Read/Write South West and libraries and literature organisations. Norwich Summer Reads case studies Libraries have a strong focus on key Not all are to be found in every below are good examples of activity target groups such as children and project, since collaborations take built on partners’ varied aims young people, older people, many forms and have various and expertise. unemployed, disabled and young outcomes; however these are all people not in education, employment notable features when looking at what Joint activities need not be complicated or training (NEETs). Focusing projects drives successful collaborations, or more expensive, and can range on particular target groups offers an including some ‘must haves’ that are from ‘using’ each others’ names for ideal opportunity for developing and relevant to any joint project. marketing purposes to exchanging piloting activities that aim to support advice, venue space and contact these people in a particular way (see Featured here are a number of case databases, to full joint programming. MyVoice Roadshow Great Yarmouth studies, which demonstrate these As the below examples show, there and Brighton Unemployed Centre’s characteristics in a practical context are often ways of sharing skills and Family project). Again, this can often of collaborative working between the using each others’ strengths and mean bringing in outside (specialist) library and literature sectors within experience as a way of supporting support, making this an important area the South East and East, as well as the project and making it more for collaborative activities. Indeed, New one or two innovative examples from successful. Working in partnership Writing South says that a majority of further afield. can lead to better chances of taking their joint projects with libraries have part in national programmes (see been based on specific target groups. Planning a Partnership Reading Partners project below) or accessing possible funding sources Cultural development A key feature and strength of particularly from ACE (see section collaborative activity is the sheer 7 below). Successful collaborative activities variety of ways in which libraries, local achieve cultural development, in terms and national literature organisations Positive Social Outcomes of building people’s access to and and other organisations work together deepening their engagement with and support each other. This reflects Libraries’ activities focus on supporting literature and libraries. Cultural the versatility of libraries and literature local council priorities and tying in with development in this context lies organisations alike, which work with government agendas on health, job principally in aiming to broaden reading and literature in various ways. support, literacy etc. Such activities readers’ choices and supporting their Therefore there is no ‘one-size-fits-all' also offer potential for collaboration ‘enjoyment of reading’ – making the model for partnership work. What is with non-arts related organisations existing diversity of literature and essential is that partnerships or joint such as health organisations, children’s literature-related activities (i.e. creative activities at all levels between literature centres, care homes etc that may writing) available to everyone by organisations and libraries need to be well welcome the opportunity to encouraging library visitors to ‘try out based on an understanding of each be involved. Literature and arts new things’ (see WCN’s Summer others’ goals and operations and an organisations are committed to the Reads as an example). Another aspect appreciation of the mutual and role of creativity in positive social to cultural development is the complementary benefits of joint change. Several successful projects diversification of the library user base, working. It is important to bear in mind have incorporated engagement with ensuring that the library is an inclusive that partners can work on a project literature and arts activity in a way environment in which all parts of even if their aims differ – a project can that enhances people’s experiences society feel welcome. often serve several aims at the same and contributes to positive social time, It is often most effective when outcomes (see Brighton City Reads Cultural development is also about the partnership projects are jointly as an example). quality of artistic and cultural activity

Literature and Libraries in the South East and East www.bop.co.uk 14 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:05 Page 15

offered to the public, which drives both of success – the more far-reaching and sectors, and is also the cornerstone of long-lasting the impact of a project is, ACE’s unified responsibility for arts, the more worthwhile and successful libraries and museums. In making projects or activities are considered to decisions on applications to Grants for be. Sustainability can refer to the long- the arts (see section 7) ACE looks for term impact on those taking part in a the quality of arts activity, which project as well as those organising it – includes the quality of experience for successful projects can be an ideal audiences and those taking part. starting point for the development of long-term partnerships and potential Finally, cultural development comprises future joint projects. Sustainability in wider partnerships with other arts both respects is exemplified by the organisations, museums and Brighton City Reads and Norwich City community organisations, in order to of Refuge case studies below. Regular build a vibrant and joined-up ‘cultural networking and communication is a offer’ for a place as a whole. (see Read key factor in supporting the / Write South West project). development of partnerships and in building on previous activities Interactive Online Activities (see Writers in Libraries project). Adaptability and flexibility are Clearly, online activities are becoming important factors here, as well as an increasingly important tool and creativity in recognising how previous vehicle for literature and reader project partners and participants development activities. As a new might support further activities. platform for projects, the internet is providing endless ways to engage with The Arts Council’s forthcoming audiences, including hard to reach Libraries Grants for the arts fund, audiences such as young people, those whilst for time-limited projects, will with mobility impairments or those look to stimulate ambitious, lasting living in rural areas. Again, such partnerships between libraries and activities can cover a whole range of artists and arts organisations. (See projects, from small steps such as section 7 below). interlinking and signposting of partners’ websites or events calendars Impact & Evaluation to the development of whole web- based projects, such as the Reading It is important to be able to evidence Groups for Everyone or the MyVoice the impact of projects to provide websites (see MyVoice Roadshow accountability for funding and as a Great Yarmouth project). Crucially, way towards securing possible future particularly where websites already funding and galvanise support for exist, they can offer a relatively cheap projects and activities. Furthermore, and easy-to-implement way of evaluations offer a useful way of developing collaborative projects. learning from past projects in order to be able to enhance and further develop Sustainability / new projects in the future (see “What happened next” Norwich City of Refuge and Brighton City Reads projects) (see Section 7 of Sustainability is seen as a key indicator the Toolkit for more information).

Literature and Libraries in the South East and East www.bop.co.uk 15 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:05 Page 16

Reading Partners – Kazuo Ishiguro author event

Key features of success: • Canterbury Christ Church Outcomes / Impact of the project: • Partnership planned between University’s team brought • 90% of tickets were snapped national and local partners from experience of running public up within two weeks; over 400 literature, libraries and Higher events and huge marketing people came. Education sectors, which secured networks to the table. They • One participant said: “[...] Having a high profile national event secured advance media coverage, been to this event I’ll definitely and increased potential for provided a ticketing advice line, read more now”, whilst a local future collaboration. and drew up a detailed itinerary reading group member said: “The for the event, to ensure smooth venue was excellent and there was Aims of project: running to time. a diverse mix of people in the • Publishers Faber & Faber were • Tickets were made available audience at this event – people looking for a large-capacity venue from 1 February from three of all ages and backgrounds – and assurances that the library they venues: the university library, so it had obviously been made worked with could fill it and had Canterbury public library and widely accessible.” good links to local reading group to the local Waterstones. • On the basis of the event there do so, and had previous experience were discussions between Kent of holding high- profile events. Project participants: Libraries and Archives team and • The Reading Agency – Faber & Faber about further Outline of project: Reading Partners possible author events. • Reading Partners used its email • Faber & Faber publishers • Community development librarian alert system to invite bids from • Kent Library Service Daren Kearl was invited to UK library services. • Canterbury Christ participate in the launch of • Detailed pre-planning won the day Church University Canterbury City Council’s for the Kent Libraries team. They • The local Waterstones were cultural policy. teamed up with Canterbury Christ brought in to sell books for signing • According to Daren Kearl, Church University to provide a by the author after the event “Events like this increase public suitable venue, Augustine House, libraries’ profile not just in the home of the university’s new Target group: community but with other library and conference venue, with • No specific target group organisations who then wish to a main hall and large cafe where work in partnership with us.” refreshments could be provided. • The event was positioned as part of Date: the university’s ongoing free public • Spring 2011 lecture series, lending it added muscle in terms of marketing Based on: networks and pre-event publicity • www.readingagency.org.uk/adults/Kazuo%20 activity. There was a joint poster Ishiguro%20Case%20Study.pdf campaign with the university and • www.readingagency.org.uk/adults/ marketing was done via the libraries’ reading-partners/ email distribution list to local reading groups and Canterbury Christ Church University’s email lists for their public lecture series.

Literature and Libraries in the South East and East www.bop.co.uk 16 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:05 Page 17

Writers in Libraries project

Key features of success: required. New Writing South groups in Shoreham and Surrey. • Complementary strengths of a provided expertise in setting up Four years later, five of the groups literature organisation and a the groups and commissioned set up are flourishing (only one fell library service (e.g. in facilitating three professional writers to work by the wayside). writers’ groups and in reaching with each group as tutors during • The groups work in different ways local communities) created lasting their first four meetings. The with their library hosts: Crawley opportunities for literature writers helped establish the groups have an annual exhibition of work, participation in libraries by with workshops, by providing Hove have produced an anthology a range of community groups. guidance in how to run a creative of member's prose and poems, writing group and identifying a Brighton started with some Aims of project: leader in each group to manage public readings. • Inspired by the success of readers future sessions. • Chris Taylor of New Writing groups in libraries, New Writing • The first four sessions were crucial South feels that one reason for the South and Brighton and Hove in setting the tone, level and continued success of the project is Libraries decided to team up to expectation of the writers’ groups. the gravitas, professionalism and create Writers Groups of up to 20 continued support that both the writers who meet once a month to Project participants: Libraries and NWS bring to the share work, expertise and craft. • Brighton and Hove Libraries: project: The libraries still offer free Portslade, Whitehawk and space to the groups and NWS Outline of project: Hove Libraries visits each group once a year to • Pilot groups were set up in three • New Writing South give a talk or run a workshop and branch Libraries: Portslade, also keeps in touch with mailings Whitehawk and Hove. Target group: and news of events. • The selection of participating • Local library users libraries was carefully considered, Date: as was the time and day of the Outcomes / Impact of the project: • Since May 2008 writers meeting: in Portslade, • Demand for the groups was a-mid week afternoon meeting overwhelming: “Portslade was Based on: was arranged to encourage older soon full up and so many writers • Information provided by writers, a morning meeting attended the first session at Hove Chris Taylor, Director aimed to encourage young Library that the librarian feared of New Writing South parents in Whitehawk and a she may have to close on www.newwritingsouth.com Saturday morning session in safety grounds!” Hove was aimed at those in full • After the initial four month time employment. period, the groups ran themselves, • The partners shared the work with library staff assistance on involved in ensuring the success of practical matters. the groups equally, bringing their • A few months later, another group particular expertise to the project. was established at the main Jubilee Brighton and Hove Libraries offer Library in Brighton. Other space for the groups free of charge libraries also followed the idea: and the branch librarians provide New Writing South helped set up hands on support if and when • groups in Crawley, and advised on

Literature and Libraries in the South East and East www.bop.co.uk 17 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:05 Page 18

Norwich City of Refuge

Key features of success: • invited to voice their opinions are Project participants: • This is a particularly good example developed, and increase stock of • Writers’ Centre Norwich, as part of partnership work focussed on foreign language books. of the International Cities of engaging diverse communities and Refuge network resident communities alike, Outline of project: • Local libraries, schools, arts venues achieving positive social outcomes, • As a literature development and community centres impact, evaluation and a organisation, WCN started out sustainable annual programme. using the medium of creative Target group: writing and later on, other creative • Local community Aims of project: arts. The programme focussed on • Refugees resident in the local area • The project was initially based on working with libraries, schools, and ‘writers in danger’ a 3-year programme (2006-09) youth groups, museums, art centres supported by the Paul Hamlyn and other partners working in both Outcomes / Impact of the project: Foundation, which aimed at the creative and the refugee / • Since the initial programme, City providing a sustained community asylum sectors. It included of Refuge now takes places programme around the central workshops, public readings, annually, with events throughout activity to which Writers’ Centre competitions, digital story projects the year. Each year WCN take part Norwich, as member of the and media training events. in and programme various Refugee International Cities of Refuge • Work with schools: The ‘Strangers Week events in Norwich in June, Network (ICORN) commited: and Canaries’ schools project celebrating the contribution of providing a place of safety for a paired refugee writers with local refugees to the UK. writer in danger. writers in Norfolk schools and • Activities are complemented by a • Funding by Comic Relief (2009) youth groups. The students learned national and international set of aimed to support WCN’s curatorial about refugees and asylum seekers partners supported by ICORN. role (for one year) of Norwich’s through creative writing • WCN has been able to raise annual Refugee Week in June workshops initiated through the awareness of the positive • The initial programme aimed to topic of the ‘Strangers’ of Norfolk. contributions refugees and asylum get students and the community • Libraries programme: This included seekers make to this community thinking about home and a number of events at libraries across and the country. belonging, and what it may feel Norfolk on the theme of refuge. • Feedback from young people has like to be exiled. These were aimed at the general shown that it has been a very • A library programme included in public and included a series of meaningful experience. the overall programme aimed to readings, performances, workshops, ensure that library staff are provided exhibitions and storytelling. Date: with the tools and skills required for • Surveys distributed throughout the • Since 2006 engaging with refugees and asylum events to collect data and feedback; seekers in Norfolk, to increase their this fed back into detailed reports Based on: confidence, provide work experience for the Paul Hamlyn Foundation • Paul Hamlyn Foundation Grant opportunities for asylum seekers and Comic Relief following the report, provided by WCN and refugees, ensure that more end of the 3-year programme, and • http://www.writerscentrenorwich.org.uk/ Consultation Groups in which provided valuable data which fed norwichcityofrefuge.aspx refugees and asylum seekers are into the future development of the programme.

Literature and Libraries in the South East and East www.bop.co.uk 18 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:05 Page 19

MyVoice Roadshow – Great Yarmouth

Key features of success: Project participants: More information: • High level of engagement from • The Reading Agency (the • http://www.myvoice.org.uk/great-yarmouth/ disadvantaged young people, roadshow is part of MyVoice, a including good online activity, part creative reading and writing of a national programme with a programme for young people run local focus. by The Reading Agency) • Great Yarmouth Community Aims of project: Library, one of five library venues • The creation of a day-long event in England to get involved in as part of a reading and writing the project roadshow led by and for young people. Target group: • Providing a model for getting • Creative yet disadvantaged young young people fired up and excited people who would not normally by reading, writing and getting engage with the arts or literature involved in their communities. Outcomes / Impact of the project: Outline of project: • The group showed outstanding • All roadshows were targeted at, abilities in working as a group to and co-produced, programmed plan and deliver a complex day- and promoted by young long event. All of the group were people themselves. incredibly enthusiastic and • In Great Yarmouth, 21 young determined to make the day people aged 11-18 were involved a success. in the programming, planning and • On the day, 80 young people promotion of the event. The group attended, experiencing learning of young people met 12 times to opportunities such as writing and select from a list of offers from music workshops and enjoying performers, artists and authors and performances of singing, dancing to help plan the day. and MCing. • The event took place at Great • According to one participant, “it Yarmouth Community Library. made a nice difference for my ideas • As part of the project, the group to be taken seriously for a change”. were trained in interview and video techniques and received Date: advice from professional • Spring 2011 events managers. • A blog with input from various participants as well as podcasts is featured on the MyVoice website.

Literature and Libraries in the South East and East www.bop.co.uk 19 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:05 Page 20

Read / Write SouthWest (Cyprus Wells)

Key features of success: Outline of project: Target group: • A particularly good example of • For children and young people: • Children and young people: LAC partnership work across sectors Provision of ‘Writer Squads’ as and NEET, children of parents in and a region engaging a range of well as workshops targeted to prisons, children of culturally hard-to-reach groups through interest children with particular specific communities, children not creative writing and reading. needs; guided writing ‘clubs’ . currently engaging with their • Provision of a Writer in Residence library and; any child facing Aims of project: to create and guide reader and disadvantage of any kind, but • To build relationships with hard- writer groups.. particularly those with poor to-reach,disadvantaged and • Consultation between the WiR reading and writing skills. undersupported communities, and and the community will be an on- • Adults: Adults from culturally create meaningful, sustainable going process, and the role of the specific communities, adults who partnerships with these groups. WiR is to work locally to identify are not engaging with their library • 1520 children and young people and recruit from groups who meet due to issues of age, health or will report an improved perception their target beneficiaries.. mental health; any adult facing of community participation and a • Libraries will create ‘community disadvantage of any kind, but greater confidence in their reading engagement plans’ or a ‘creative / particularly poor reading and / writing, communication and arts engagement plan’ and will be writing skills, hard-to-reach and life skills. supported in refining and new communities. • At least 200 young people will updating this plan throughout the have been active as volunteers life of this project and beyond. Outcomes / Impact of the project: at their community library, • The WiR will make contact with • see aims above increasing their confidence and groups who meet the target skills in communication and beneficiary profile. Date: social interaction, and improving • Project partners will enable and • March 2012 – March 2013 skills to seek employment or support the WiR to establish further education and contact with community groups, Based on: training opportunities. to begin to get non-engagers to • Partner briefs for the project • 1700 adults will report improved access the library for the first time. • More information available at social interaction, improved All activities must include reading http://www.cypruswell.com/about-us.php communication and writing skills, and writing, deliverable by a WiR, and more positive participation a writer or other literature with community libraries and specialist. community decision making. • 80 writers will report they have Project participants: received training and support so • Cyprus Wells with support from they are able to positively and a Writer in Residence actively engage with beneficiaries • Local libraries, prisons and and communities in ways which community venues add value and increase the scope and quality of reading and writing development the library is able to provide.

Literature and Libraries in the South East and East www.bop.co.uk 20 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:05 Page 21

Tell Us Another One

Key features of success: Outline of project: Target group: • A community-focused project in • Collaborating with libraries as • Target groups include refugee and the North West planned and venues the project runs monthly asylum seekers, young parents and delivered by various partners over a creative writing workshops for younger and older people within significant timeframe, pooling adults and young people within the three local authority areas funding and expertise, to produce a Rochdale, Bury and Oldham. These • The project is targeting range of high quality participatory groups are called “Story Groups” communities from deprived areas activity engaging marginalised and are free and open to everyone. and people with little to no communities and offering cultural • The Story Groups are led by previous writing experience development in the region. professional high quality artists and workshop leaders such as Outcomes / impact of the project: Aims of project: Lemn Sissay, Helen Clare, • Phase one resulted in two of the • This is a 3-year creative writing Shamshad Khan, Steve Garside, Story Groups constituting project run by Cartwheel Arts Anjum Malik and Tony Walsh. themselves as independent following the success of phase one. The groups explore various styles organisations and securing funds. Phase two focuses on developing a and forms of writing The two groups are now partners digital strand and is funded by • Cartwheel Arts also run other with Cartwheel Arts for the Arts Council England through short participatory arts projects second phase of this project Grants for the arts, The Big which explore creative writing • The finale of the Scribble Festival Lottery Fund, and Bury, Oldham through a number of mediums run by Cartwheel Arts saw and Rochdale Councils including visual arts and participants showcasing their work • The project aims to bring film making within Oldham Library alongside communities together to explore • The project’s online newsletter, poet Lemn Sissay their creative writing talents by Scribble, enables the professional • Story Groups have re-invigorated delivering high quality creative writers and participants to a sense of community, increasing writing and storytelling distribute their work self-esteem and self-confidence workshops within libraries • Cartwheel Arts provide free and in some cases helped people throughout Greater Manchester digital training sessions in several to get back into employment, • To provide a platform for locations across Bury, Middleton, training and education emerging writers to showcase their Oldham and Rochdale including • Cartwheel Arts were able to run a work alongside established and an introduction to social media, richer programme than would have talented northern writers web for Writers and digital been possible if these organisations • To develop a digital strand, using audio editing had been working alone digital media to engage participants • By reaching and engaging people and increase distribution Project participants: from deprived areas it has offered • Cartwheel Arts the communities and professional • Oldham Coliseum Theatre writers involved an opportunity to and Oldham Library including diversify their perspectives other local libraries across Greater Manchester Based on: • Community groups throughout • http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/news/arts- Bury, Middleton, Oldham council-news/poetry-and-knitting-goes- and Rochdale down-storm/

Literature and Libraries in the South East and East www.bop.co.uk 21 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:05 Page 22

Brighton Unemployed Centre Families Project Salt and Vinegar

Key features of success: Project participants: • At the launch at Jubilee Library, • Engaging target group through a • Brighton Community Centre authors gave an hour long spoken partnership between a community with writer in residence Bridget word performance. This venue and organisaiton, library and author, Wheelan (the project was part inclusion within the programme demonstrating positive of Brighton Unemployed Centre of World Book Night “gave the social outcomes. Families Project, “a hub of project real status in the eyes creative education, running of the participants and meant Aims of project: affordable classes”) that we were part of the official • To produce an anthology of • Jubilee Library, Brighton programme giving us work written by Centre users, • Waterloo Press, a local non-profit city-wide promotion”. Salt and Vinegar. poetry press • According to a participant, “Salt • To encourage writing drawn from and Vinegar proves you don't have personal experience, concentrating Target group: to be famous to tell your story. on developing descriptive • Low waged, unwaged and Ordinary people have stories to language skills. unemployed visitors to the tell, too.” Community Centre • A local freelance journalist wrote Outline of project: • The project set out to be inclusive the project; the article, Tales of the • Author Bridget Wheelan ran - some of the participants were Unexpected, was published in the special workshops and offered living in temporary housing, Guardian in 2008. The publicity one-to-one tutorials for those who surviving the consequences of meant that bookshops were happy wished - “people queued for the addiction, family disintegration or to stock the anthology. opportunity to talk and the result ill health, others were retired local was powerful writing from many residents, volunteers, single Date: who felt unable to participate in a parents etc. • throughout 2009 conventional class”. • Jubilee Library (Brighton & Outcomes / Impact of the project: Based on: Hove’s flagship library) got • Over 30 participants contributed • http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2008/jan/ involved early on, offering the to Salt and Vinegar; the aim was to 02/socialexclusion participants their conference include at least one contribution • a Lapidus journal article provided rooms for free for the launch by each participant of the project. by Bridget Wheelan of the anthology on World • Bridget feels that it was (http://www.lapidus.org.uk) Book Night. “important that the writer always • Waterloo Press offered to publish retained control. No one had to the anthology for free; a designer stay in class; no one had to read was involved to help with the out; no one had to submit their layout of the book. work for publication”. • “Good writing emerged from many inexperienced writers because they were treading on territory that belonged to them. Through telling their story they learnt how stories were told”.

Literature and Libraries in the South East and East www.bop.co.uk 22 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:05 Page 23

Brighton City Reads

Key features of success: Target group: Date: • Creating lasting impact and • Residents of Brighton & Hove • Annually since 2005; with focus activity through partnerships on 2010 evaluation report across sectors, engaging target Outcomes / Impact of the project: groups as part of high quality • Evaluation report for 2010 City Based on: literature programme. Reads includes statistics from the • City Reads evaluation report 2010 analysis of 110 feedback forms www.cityreads.co.uk Aims of project: collected at City Reads events, • A city-wide reading initiative quotes from participants, which aims to “spread a love of volunteers, an overview of books and ideas to the widest activities and outcomes, possible audience throughout information on ‘City Reads’ Brighton & Hove”. marketing and press appearance • “To encourage as many people as as well as learning outcomes possible from different sectors of for the organisers. the community to come together • 49 events, over 50 volunteers, a and engage with books in a wholly new City Reads website, over 200 inclusive way”. free books left across the city in a ‘bookcrossing’ scheme. Outline of project: • 38% of all City Reads participants • Concept: one book is selected for had never been to or taken part in the whole community to read, a book event before. Over 38% of discuss, debate and creatively 2010 participants were men – a engage with in a series of special rise of nearly 20% and a clear events, workshops and target achievement from the performances. previous year. • Activities take place in The Old • From a volunteer: “I gained Market Arts Centre in Hove and confidence working with people across the whole of Brighton & and facilitating groups and it Hove in libraries, community raised my awareness of mental centres, pubs, book shops. health issues.” • From a participant: “All in all it was Project participants: like watching an intriguing live • Collected Works, a local reader television show that you could also development organisation be part of – absolutely brilliant.” • Brighton & Hove libraries • Good example of sustainability – and museums the event has been going strong • Sussex Community Foundation since 2005, many of the Read • Visit Brighton Aloud groups set up during City • Further local groups and Reads continue outside of the companies functioning as partners, event and the event organisers funders and supporters recently set up as a year-round • Volunteers reader development organisation (Collected Works).

Literature and Libraries in the South East and East www.bop.co.uk 23 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:05 Page 24

Winchester Poetry Weekend

Key features of success: • Previous project work with the • It exceeded expectations regarding • Cultural development in terms of excellent stand up poet Elvis audience figures for a number of practice and engagement in poetry McGonagall led to a discussion events. Attendees wrote in with – involving writers, audiences and about bringing together a Friday positive feedback following the participants, leading to ongoing Night Stand-Up. Weekend. programme. • Recommendations from fellow • The poets involved were literature sector workers helped complimentary about the Aims of project: shape the remainder of the programme shape, publicity and • The Literature Development programme, including an Apples organisation – important factors in Officer, in partnership with the & Snakes’ children's show and growing the reputation of the Winchester Discovery Centre, workshop for adults on the poetic venue and Hampshire as a key planned to host a weekend of voice. destination for live literature. “The poetry events to promote the art • The event was included in the Discovery Centre is impressive form and engage with readers seasonal brochure and also and we were all very heartened by and writers. publicised in a flyer to send to the welcome we were given and by • One aim of the programme was to targeted groups in the area, from the audience’s deep interest in supply information about how writers to readers groups, schools poetry. Thank you for all the poets could seek further and colleges. organisation.” Helen Dunmore opportunities and publication. • Another was to entertain, through Project participants: • In an aim to continue supporting the crossover of comedy and • Winchester Discovery Centre and less commercial literary art forms, poetry, and music and poetry, to Literature Development Officer the Poetry Weekend’s success led broaden the audience base. The Angela Hicken (part of the to the planning of ‘Telling Tales, A programme would include events Centre’s Events Team) Story Weekend in Winchester’ in for children, for families and • The publishing sector, namely March 2012. This event balanced for adults. Bloodaxe Books readings, talks, advice for writers, • The burgeoning network of entertainment, storytelling theatre Outline of project: performance poets, including the for families, and participation. • The Literature Development excellent Tongue Fu band Officer contacted leading • Literature agencies, such as Apples Info on date and place independent poetry publisher & Snakes • Three days, Friday 11th to Sunday Bloodaxe – the proposed Weekend 13th March 2011 at the dates in March 2011 coincided Target group: Winchester Discovery Centre. with Bloodaxe’s publication of the • The residents and visitors to much anticipated anthology Winchester. Based on ‘Being Human’. Serendipity in • information provided by programming does exist! Outcomes / Impact of the project Angela Hicken, Literature • Editor Neil Astley agreed to hold • Through eight events, the Development Officer a seminar on ‘How to get Weekend directly engaged 481 • http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/funding/ published or not’ and to launch people across age ranges, including funded-projects/case-studies/libraries-and- the anthology with poets David a sell out workshop with literature-how-arts-and-culture-are-working- Constantine and Helen Dunmore. maximum 20 participants. collaboratively/

Literature and Libraries in the South East and East www.bop.co.uk 24 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:05 Page 25

Summer Reads – Norwich

Key features of success: Outline of project: Target group: • This is a particularly good example • 6 books chosen each year; free • The residents and visitors of cultural development, widening books given to libraries and to Norwich people’s engagement with books stocked in major literature, including through Norfolk bookshops Outcomes/ Impact of the project online activity, and a sustainable • Print circulated widely and regular • 2193 lendings across 6 libraries annual programme. use of interactive social media of the 6 chosen books (ie via WCN website, Facebook, • Visible rise in visits to the WCN Aims of project: Twitter and Goodreads). Exclusive website, with the Summer Reads • To introduce and make available content on WCN website. webpage as third most popular the best in local, national and • Activities include Book Clubs, webpage; success in reaching international fiction, poetry and Author events, ‘Vote for your new audiences non-fiction to Norfolk readers favourite’ (online and at venues) • Increase of twitter • To engage readers in a community with prize draw, Read in’ Café - @WCNBookClub followers reading programme and encourage providing the space and time for to 534 widespread participation readers to read and book quizzes • Successful use of facebook • To showcase Worlds, WCN’s to launch and close the with increased feedback on posts; summer international literary programme and a Flashmob, social media sites were successful salon, to a wider audience by bringing readers together for in getting people to the Summer providing content and further visible public demonstration of Reads page information on the website and Summer Reads generally drive traffic to the • Detailed analysis of library Info on date and place WCN website lending statistics and media usage • Annually since 2010; • To act as a springboard for throughout project (ie website and with focus on 2011 reports innovative ideas about bringing social media traffic), providing readers together recommendations for next years’ Based on • On a wider level, to raise Summer Reads event • Information provided by Norwich's profile as a UNESCO Chris Gribble, Director City of Literature Project participants: of Writers’ Centre Norwich • Writers’ Centre Norwich, bookshops, libraries and other More information venues across Norwich, • Summer Reads 2012: various publishers www.writerscentrenorwich.org.uk/ yoursummerreads.aspx

Literature and Libraries in the South East and East www.bop.co.uk 25 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:05 Page 26

6 Partnerships and the Universal Reading Offer

In the last ten years, libraries have Challenge and Reading Groups for Figure 1: A calendar of the URO’s been modernising and evolving their Everyone run as easily identifiable and prioritised shared toolbox delivering reading services with visible results. As well-known threads through the offer, a baseline offer described above, they are no longer complemented by local activities and • the strategy work together to static books warehouses, but instead events (see Figure 1 below). create a shared offer across the offer a lively, social service to library network encourage reading for pleasure. Much Partnerships play an important role • Five focal points (calendar spikes) effort has been focused on children’s in delivering a lively and engaging for a shared library network push work, and children’s book borrowing reading offer – as the Reading Agency on reading has risen for the last seven years. says, the URO provides a new • Shows key programmes and their There’s a big challenge in an age of framework for the development timeframe within the year austerity to keep up this momentum. of library partnerships with regional • Plans for additional enhanced menu As mentioned above, The Reading and local organisations as well as of activities, capturing other Agency is working with SCL on a new national partners. It thus reinforces nationally brokered programmes, strategy for 2012-15 called the the key opportunities for collaboration and additional calendar spikes e.g. Universal Reading Offer (URO). This: between literature organisations literary prizes • Focuses libraries’ efforts on taking and libraries in order to achieve collective action by prioritising key most impact. More information can be found at: programmes and partnerships www.readingagency.org.uk/about/the-universal- • Gives libraries a ready-made set of Work is also underway to integrate reading-offer tools offering economies of scale youth provision and innovation www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk and easy ways to share best including a year round youth www.readinggroups.org practice volunteering offer, a greater role for www.readingagency.org.uk/new-thinking/health • Helps retain the investment and young people in decision making about resources arising from nationally youth library provision and the brokered partnerships with the development of dynamic reading BBC, 40 publishers and others services including reading groups and • Creates a shared evidence bank and events. Digital innovation is also a key advocacy resources to help libraries development strand. show how they make an impact The aim is that by working more The URO aims to deliver a minimum closely together within a clear but universal library offer on a local basis flexible framework, libraries and their with the help of a national ‘toolbox’ partners will benefit from economies of shared programmes, partnerships of scale, shared learning and a stronger and calendar spikes prioritised by SCL. evidence based closely tied to key This baseline offer is enhanced by local authority priorities. Work is regional and local activity. The offer currently underway to develop this builds on the growth in public demand shared evidence base supported by for a ‘lively, engaging library reading best practice case studies and linked offer’ within a difficult funding advocacy messages. environment. Its goal is to safeguard best practice, support continued innovation, keep partners investing in the sector and deliver economies of scale by “focusing doing fewer, bigger things together”. Leading national programmes such as Summer Reading

Literature and Libraries in the South East and East www.bop.co.uk 26 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:05 Page 27

SCL Prioritsed Toolbox JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Calendar Hooks WBD / WBN ▲▲ Learning Hook ▲ Bookstart Week ▲ Summer Reading ▲▲▲▲ Health and Wellbeing Hook ▲

Programmes SRC (Currently 60% – ▲▲▲▲ aiming for 80-100%) Six Book ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ Challenge TRA Promotions ▲▲▲ ▲ Mood Boosting Books ▲

Reading Groups for Everyone inc. ▲▲▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ Chatterbooks

Bookstart and BookTime ▲ Partnerships Reading Partners ▲▲▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ BBC ▲ ▲

Literature and Libraries in the South East and East www.bop.co.uk 27 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:05 Page 28

7 Funding

7.1 http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/funding/apply-for- six funding rounds for applications funding/grants-for-the-arts/ between March 2012 and February 2013. Applications can be submitted Funding ACE will make available an additional at any time during this period. opportunities £6 million of National Lottery-funded http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/funding/ Grants for the arts to libraries from apply-for-funding/strategic-funding/ September 2012. This ring-fenced fund grant-programmes/strategic-touring-programme/ from Arts Council will support projects that stimulate ambitious and innovative partnerships ACE funding eligibility grid England (ACE) between libraries and artists and / or arts organisations, encouraging A grid listing all ACE funding Grants for the Arts communities to participate in cultural opportunities for 2011 – 2015 and the activities. The Libraries Grants for the respective eligibility criteria for arts Grants for the Arts are for activities arts fund can support a wide range of organisations, museums and public carried out over a set period, which artistic activity that supports, enhances libraries to apply can be found here: engage people in England in arts and enriches libraries’ core work, and http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/funding/museums- activities and help artists and arts develops libraries’ role as a cultural galleries-and-libraries-eligibility-funding/ organisations carry out their work. provider in their communities. Grants for the Arts is an open-access Funding will run from September 2012 fund which people can apply to at until March 2015 – ACE will announce 7.2 any time and is funded by the more details when the fund opens. National Lottery. Top tips for ACE Strategic ACE welcomes applications from Touring Programme applying to Grants libraries and involving libraries, for a wide range of artistic activity. Exciting The £45 million Strategic Touring for the Arts artistic activity inspired by books and Programme is designed to encourage reading can further bring the written collaboration between organisations, The following guidance applies word to life. From community reading so that more people across England particularly to applications to Grants projects that build a shared enjoyment experience and are inspired by the for the arts from and involving of reading, to literature and arts arts, particularly in places which rely libraries, and for projects involving festivals where libraries provide inviting on touring for much of their reading and literature. However many venues, to regular events featuring arts provision. points here are relevant to any kind of selected writers, or other art form application to Grants for the arts. collaborations e.g. with a professional With the programme’s focus on N.B. case studies that received Grants theatre company or visual artists: all partnerships, ACE welcomes for the arts funding include ‘MyVoice these activities offer opportunities for applications from libraries, literature Roadshow’, ‘Tell us another one’ and collaboration between libraries, and other arts organisations for ‘Brighton City Reads’. literature and other arts and cultural collaborative activity. Libraries provide organisations which benefit people and an extensive network of venues Meeting the criteria communities and which applications around the country with expertise in to Grants for the Arts can support. connecting with communities and less There are four main criteria for engaged audiences. Working with Grants for the arts, against which Artistic quality and public engagement literature and arts organisations can all applications are assessed. are key criteria of Grants for the Arts. create strong artistic activity to reach All applications need to demonstrate Libraries and literature organisations a range of communities. how they meet these criteria: bring together complementary 1 The quality of the arts activity, or its strengths to meet these criteria. The Strategic Touring Programme has ongoing effect on artistic practice (or

Literature and Libraries in the South East and East www.bop.co.uk 28 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:05 Page 29

both) and the quality of experience a project and application across all • • how will the activity be marketed? for audiences and those taking part. criteria. A particular aim of the new • • have target audiences and 2 How the activity increases Libraries Grants for the arts fund is communities been involved in the opportunities for the public to to stimulate ambitious, lasting planning of the activity? engage in arts activities. partnerships between libraries, arts 3 How the activity will be managed organisations and communities. ACE Libraries and other artforms and its ongoing effect. will make available an additional £6 4 How realistic the activity is financially, million of National Lottery-funded The majority of applications received and its future effect. Grants for the arts to libraries from from library services or involving September 2012. www.artscouncil.org.uk/ libraries mainly relate to literature Grants for the arts is an what-we-do/supporting-libraries and / or reader development activity. evidence-based process ACE welcomes applications that Guidance on reading-specific involve artists and arts organisations Applications, whether from individuals projects working in various artforms that will or organisations, cannot rely on extend libraries’ role as a cultural assumed knowledge. The more • Organisations can apply for the provider in their communities. information that an applicant can development and delivery of provide that evidences how the projects that support access to Scale and ambition activity meets the criteria, the better. reading for pleasure for individuals and communities. ACE welcomes ambitious applications Clear focus on • It is important to note that as to Grants for the arts for activity artistic outcomes Grants for the arts must be that can make a significant and allocated to arts activity, proposals lasting impact on the cultural life • Grants for the arts funds can only for reading development activity of communities. Whilst Grants for be used to support arts activity, so must present how the activity will – the arts funds time-limited projects, applicants need to be clear about immediately or in the longer term – these can be large-scale, both in the artistic outcomes of the project. lead to more people reading literary terms of budget and time frame • Sometimes these are present in work for pleasure. ACE supports where appropriate. the project but not articulated in public engagement with a diverse an application. range of literature, including literary Match / partnership funding • The quality of arts activity is based fiction, poetry and work on the information provided in the in translation. • Grants for the arts requires application and by supporting applicants to demonstrate a information such as artists’ CVs. Target audiences minimum of 10% match funding ACE will want to know which artists in an application. This can be made / organisations are involved and the • Libraries’ ability to reach a diverse up of cash support, in kind support, artistic rationale for their selection. range of communities provides a or a mixture of the two. • ACE is looking for evidence that strong basis for widening public • Whilst library services may not a project delivers an excellent engagement in arts activity and always be in a strong position to quality of artistic experience for meeting the criteria of Grants for secure high levels of external cash participants. For example this the arts. support, applicants should consider might mean participatory work • Applicants are advised to think the types of in kind support available in a community context led by about (and articulate): to them, and how they might experienced creative facilitators. • • the target audiences for effectively represent this in the activity their budget. Partnership working • • audience development – is an activity designed to engage Partnership working can strengthen new audiences?

Literature and Libraries in the South East and East www.bop.co.uk 29 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:05 Page 30

information for applicants and links to organisations to develop sustainable 7.3 further websites income strategies. These include an for those interested in engaging in online search tool for grants as well Strategic commissioning can be found here: as useful support and advice on http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/what-we-do/our- fundraising and grants. Users registered Commissioning priorities-2011-15/collaboration-and-partnerships/ on the site can register to receive local-government-community-and-place/ an e-newsletter with customised Whilst commissioning – the idea strategic-commissioning/ funding information. of the government commissioning http://www.fundingcentral.org.uk/ charities and social enterprises to Further general information about support the delivery of public commissioning and procurement with services – is already well established a detailed step-by-step guide – such as in the social service and health sectors information on how to identify local to help support the delivery of social needs – can be found here: outcomes, the cultural sector has so http://www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/advice-support/public- far been less represented in this service-delivery/commissioning-procurement/ approach. However, recent commissioning-procurement-step-step developments such as the government’s commitment to enhance the capacity of the 7.4 voluntary and community sector, as well as publications such as the Useful funding Localism Act 2011, the Modernising Commissioning Green Paper 2010 websites and the Open Public Services White Paper 2011, suggest that Arts Council England – commissioning will become an Other sources of arts funding increasingly widespread approach in the delivery of public services This webpage lists some of the main across all public service sectors. sources of funding for the arts in the UK as well as providing details of Importantly, commissioning is a local organisations offering advice on approach, based on the identification funding, and information on funding of current and future needs within a for education and training, business community. According to the 2010 and oversees funding. It also lists Green Paper, “commissioning is the relevant trusts and foundations as cycle of assessing the needs of people well as organisations providing in an area, designing and then information on fundraising resources. achieving appropriate outcomes. http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/funding/other- The service may be delivered by the sources-of-arts-funding/ public, private or civil society sectors”. Funding Central New opportunities from the sides of central and local government as well Funding Central is a website for as the ACE are now being developed. charities, voluntary organisations and A comprehensive introduction to the social enterprises providing access to Arts Council’s approach to strategic funding and finance opportunities as commissioning including useful well as tools and resources supporting

Literature and Libraries in the South East and East www.bop.co.uk 30 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:05 Page 31

8 Evaluation Frameworks

Evaluations are an important aspect of and archives and help identify and libraries’ and funded organisations’ evidence the benefits for people in activities. They provide an taking part in such activities, GSOs aim understanding of these activities in to demonstrate benefits to the wider terms of their impact, and constitute community, including social cohesion, important tools in respect of funding health and well-being. bodies as well as in the development of future activities. According to one The website also includes a section on library representative, for libraries a learning how to measure outcomes central aspect of any impact analysis and approach evaluations. for example is to show how libraries are contributing to council priorities. Following the closure of MLA, ACE is With the likely increase of currently hosting the Inspiring Learning commissioning in the sector, the for All website. It should be noted that requirement for good evaluations will whilst the GSO and GLO frameworks become ever more present. are still considered very useful for Importantly, as representatives of evaluations, the policy context for ASCEL stressed, key to a successful these frameworks is now out of date – evaluation is using the right evaluation for example referring to the now tools and techniques, and being aware ended Every Child Matters initiative. of which evaluations are most useful http://www.inspiringlearningforall.gov.uk for which activity, so that events can be planned accordingly. The below URO Logic Model framework evaluation frameworks were both developed to support activities in the As part of the Universal Reading Offer, library, museums and archives sectors, the Logic Model framework presents and were named by the Library Sector a useful overview of how services as particularly useful. offered by libraries, in conjunction with the activities included in the URO, can Inspiring Learning for All enhance library service outcomes, provide benefits to the local This is a self-help improvement community and feed into strategic framework for museums, libraries and outcomes for Local Authorities. archives which was originally http://www.readingagency.org.uk/ developed by the Museums, Libraries about/the-universal-reading-offer/ and Archives Council. It is aimed at supporting organisations in assessing their strengths and planning improvements, providing evidence of the impact of their activities and improving their strategic and operational performance.

It includes two separate frameworks, Generic Learning Outcomes (GLO) and Generic Social Outcomes (GSO). Whilst the GLOs describe what and how people learn in museums, libraries

Literature and Libraries in the South East and East www.bop.co.uk 31 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:05 Page 32

Contact Lists, Universal Reading Offer and Funding Information

Libraries and literature organisations alike recommend potential partners should simply get in touch if they are interested in collaborating. The most relevant contact details are provided below and are correct at time of publication. General contact details can also be found online.

N.B. this is not an exhaustive list but represents the range and number of partners working in reading and literature in the South East and East.

Literature and Libraries in the South East and East www.bop.co.uk 32 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:05 Page 33

9 Contact Lists and Maps

9.1 Library Services and Schools Library Services

Library Service Contact details School Library Service (incl. No of branch libraries) (Reading contact) (with relevant contact details) South East Bracknell Forest Council Glynis Norman part of West Berkshire School Library Service (9 libraries) Stock and Support Services Manager www.berkshire-els.gov.uk T: 01344 35 2403 contact: Jeremy Saunders [email protected] T: 0118 9015989 [email protected]

Brighton & Hove Council Kate Regester www.buckscc.gov.uk (15 libraries, 1 mobile library) Reading and Learning Manager T: 01296 382268 [email protected] [email protected]

Buckinghamshire County Council Julia King (26 libraries, 4 mobile libraries) Reading & Learning Development Team Leader T: 01296 383125 juking@ buckscc.gov.uk

East Sussex Library Chris Desmond www.eastsussex.gov.uk and Information Service Reader Development Manager T: 01323 416324 or 417030 (25 libraries, 3 mobile libraries) [email protected] [email protected]

Hampshire County Council Angela Hicken www3.hants.gov.uk/sls (53 libraries, 6 branch libraries) Literature Development Officer T: 01962 826660 T: 01962 846018 www3.hants.gov.uk [email protected]

Alec Kennedy Head of Library and Information Services T: 01962 826681 [email protected]

Isle of Wight Council Rob Jones www.iwight.com/ (11 libraries, 3 mobile libraries) Libraries Officer, Library Headquarters contact: Elspeth Jackson T: 01983 203885 T: 01983 203880 [email protected] [email protected]

Kent County Council Libraries, Sheila Golden Registration and Archives Reading and Literacy Manager (99 libraries, 11 mobile libraries) T: 7000 5242 [email protected]

Literature and Libraries in the South East and East www.bop.co.uk 33 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:05 Page 34

Library Service Contact details School Library Service (incl. No of branch libraries) (Reading contact) (with relevant contact details) Medway Council Lyn Rainbow (16 libraries, 2 mobile libraries) Strategic Librarian T: 01634 338736 [email protected]

Milton Keynes Library Service Angela Warren www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/ (9 libraries, 1 mobile library) Senior Librarian (Adult Engagement) T: 01908 647611 [email protected] [email protected]

Oxfordshire County Council Jane V. Mason (43 libraries, 8 mobile libraries) Reader Services Manager: Adults jane.mason@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Portsmouth City Council David Percival www.portsmouth.gov.uk (9 libraries, 1 mobile library) Learning and Engagement Manager T: 023 92326612 [email protected] [email protected]

Dominic Kippen Literature Development Officer [email protected]

Reading Borough Council Alison England part of West Berkshire School Library Service (7 libraries) Libraries & Resources Manager www.berkshire-els.gov.uk T: 01189 015970 contact: Jeremy Saunders [email protected] T: 0118 9015989 [email protected]

Royal Borough of Windsor Mark Taylor part of West Berkshire School Library Service and Maidenhead Head of Libraries, Arts & Heritage www.berkshire-els.gov.uk (11 libraries, 1 mobile library) T: 01628 796989 contact: Jeremy Saunders [email protected] T: 0118 9015989 [email protected]

Slough Borough Council Liz McMillan part of West Berkshire School Library Service (7 libraries) Projects and Performance Manager www.berkshire-els.gov.uk Tel: 01753 787519 contact: Jeremy Saunders Liz.mcmillan@slough.gov.uk Tel: 0118 9015989 [email protected]

Southampton City Council David Baldwin www.southampton.gov.uk (11 libraries, 2 mobile libraries) Libraries Manager T: 023 8078 0507 T: 02380 832219 [email protected] [email protected]

Surrey County Council Janet Thomas (52 libraries) Library Programme Manager [email protected]

Literature and Libraries in the South East and East www.bop.co.uk 34 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:05 Page 35

Library Service Contact details School Library Service (incl. No of branch libraries) (Reading contact) (with relevant contact details) West Berkshire Borough Council Mike Brook part of West Berkshire School Library Service (9 libraries, 2 mobile libraries) Library Services Manager www.berkshire-els.gov.uk [email protected] contact: Jeremy Saunders T: 0118 9015989 [email protected]

West Sussex County Council Alan Goodman www.westsussex.gov.uk (36 libraries, 6 mobile libraries) Community Services Team Leader contact: Susan Heyes T: 01903 704806 Head of Schools Library Service [email protected] T: 01243 816755 [email protected]

Wokingham District Council Heather Dyson (10 libraries) Adult Outreach Development Officer T: 0118 974 3712 [email protected]

Literature and Libraries in the South East and East www.bop.co.uk 35 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:05 Page 36

Library Service Contact details School Library Service (incl. No of branch libraries) (Reading contact) (with relevant contact details) East Bedford Borough Libraries Sue Shead www.galaxy.bedfordshire.gov.uk (5 libraries, 1 mobile library) Youth Service Manager T: 01234 228755 ReadEast Representative [email protected] [email protected]

Cambridgeshire County Council Brenda Mead (32 libraries, 4 mobile libraries) Adult Stock and Promotion Librarian ReadEast Representative T: 01223 718367 or 07766 510217 [email protected]

James Nicol Adult Stock and Promotions Manager ReadEast Representative [email protected]

Central Bedfordshire Angela Martin www.galaxy.bedfordshire.gov.uk (12 libraries) Senior Librarian – T: 01234 228755 Adult & Community Services [email protected] ReadEast Representative T: 0300 300 8053 angela.martin@ centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

Essex County Council Annastasia Ward www.secure.essexcc.gov.uk (73 libraries, 12 mobile libraries) Reader Services Development T: 01245 542600 Manager [email protected] ReadEast Representative T: 01245 244953 [email protected]

Hertfordshire County Council Shirley Everall (47 libraries, 5 mobile libraries) Reader Development Officer ReadEast Representative T: 01707 897589 [email protected]

Sue Valentine Principal Librarian: Resources ReadEast Representative T: 01707 281593 [email protected]

Literature and Libraries in the South East and East www.bop.co.uk 36 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:05 Page 37

Library Service Contact details School Library Service (incl. No of branch libraries) (Reading contact) (with relevant contact details) Luton Culture Andrew Bond www.lutonlibraries.co.uk (8 libraries, 1 mobile library) Senior Librarian, Community T: 01582 598 065 Engagement ReadEast Representative [email protected] T: 01582 - 547435 www.norfolk.gov.uk [email protected]

Norfolk County Council Karen Holland contact: Kirsten Francis (47 libraries, 13 mobile libraries) Service Support Librarian – Manager Schools and Young People’s Adults ReadEast Representative Library Services T: 01603 223190 T: 01603 222266 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Norfolk Library Service based at Millennium Library: www.theforumnorwich.co.uk/ explore/millennium-library

Peterborough (Vivacity Trust) Elaine Wilkinson (10 libraries, 1 mobile library) Librarian ReadEast Representative T: 01733 864277 Elaine.Wilkinson@vivacity- peterborough.com

Susy Chaplin Southend-on-Sea Borough Council ReadEast Representative Served by Essex School Library Service (7 libraries, 1 mobile library) T: 01702 612621 www.secure.essexcc.gov.uk [email protected] T: 01245 542600 [email protected] Simon May Libraries Services Manager [email protected]

Paul Howarth Suffolk Libraries Direct Stock Manager Paul Cunningham (44 libraries, 6 mobile libraries) ReadEast Representative Schools Library Service Manager [email protected] T: 01473 583505 [email protected] Helen Boothroyd Libraries Operational Lead [email protected]

Thurrock Council Jenny Meads Served by Essex School Library Service (9 libraries, 1 mobile library) ReadEast Representative www.secure.essexcc.gov.uk T: 01375 383611 T: 01245 542600 [email protected] [email protected]

Literature and Libraries in the South East and East www.bop.co.uk 37 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:05 Page 38

9.2 Relevant national organisations

The Reading Agency

• an independent charity with a Key programmes Contact details mission to make people feel • Runs a number of high profile The Reading Agency Ltd inspired and confident about national initiatives and has Free Word Centre reading and broadening access developed five key tools to engage 60 Farringdon Road to reading readers – reading challenges, London • champion reading with children in reading groups, author contact, EC1R 3GA their formative years, work with promotions and volunteering: www.readingagency.org.uk young people / adults find reading • • Summer Reading Challenge a challenge • • 6-Book Challenge For more information on the • specialises in spreading reading • • Reading Groups for Everyone Reading Partners programme, through libraries and sees as website contact Sandeep Mahal ‘primary partnership base’ • • MyVoice website 0871 223 2041 • works with every UK local • • Chatterbooks Reading Groups [email protected] authority; also reaches readers for Children through broadcasters, publishers, • • Reading Partners, scheme workplaces, schools, prisons and promoting collaboration youth services between libraries and publishers • carries out and commissions • • runs training courses and events research and organises discussions related to the projects within and beyond the library sector • active in public policy and advocacy, working with government departments and think tanks • offers new Consulting Service ‘Leading Reading’ for Local Authorities • key driver in development of Universal Reading Offer

Literature and Libraries in the South East and East www.bop.co.uk 38 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:05 Page 39

Booktrust

• independent reading and Key programmes • BOOKED UP: Booked Up is writing charity Bookgifting programmes aimed at year 7 children and • nationwide impact on individuals, • BOOKSTART AND BOOKSTART continues to support independent families and communities, and BABY PACKS: aims to bring reading for pleasure. Libraries can culture in the UK: supports families into libraries and help purchase the Booked Up list of everyone from CYP to OAP who every child become a reader for titles at a greatly subsidised cost. would benefit from the positive life. Bookstart co-ordinators in Pro active libraries can use library impact that books, reading and libraries work in partnership with displays and promotions to writing can have on their lives. health and early years encourage children to use their • • ensure access to books and professionals, local network of local library to access the whole of the opportunities to enjoy and Bookstart coordinators, managed the Booked Up list. be confident in their reading by regional Booktrust team, • LETTERBOX CLUB: a targeted and writing Booktrust offers training sessions programme which aims to support • Provide resources and tools to to library co-ordinators the educational outlook of children support professionals in helping • BOOKTOUCH: designed for blind in care children and adults to grow in their and visually impaired children reading and writing aged 0-4 years Contact details • Promote quality recommendations • BOOKSHINE: for deaf children Booktrust and book lists, range of prizes to aged 0-4 years Book House promote great writing and • BOOKTIME: Booktime is aimed at 45 East Hill emerging talent all reception aged children and London • Extensive website: features over their parents and is delivered to SW18 2QZ 7,000 independent book reviews schools in the Autumn term for www.booktrust.org.uk • Booktrust events take place up distribution. It re enforces the and down the country to inspire Bookstart message about the For information on Booktrust’s people to get more involved importance of reading for pleasure ‘Bookgifting’ programmes: with reading and writing in and helps to build positive home www.booktrust.org.uk/bookgifting/ their communities and school relationships. Special • High value on research to measure library resources are available and impact that reading and writing proactive libraries often arrange have on lives (use SROI) and special Booktime events to attract communicate that to the widest families into the library at the possible audience. Act as an weekend. Where capacity allows, instigator for change some library services use • • The research also informs Booktime to arrange school visits partners at local, national and and recruit new library members. international level. Use research to support responses to government consultations

Literature and Libraries in the South East and East www.bop.co.uk 39 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:05 Page 40

National Literacy Trust

• independent charity Key programmes Contact details • aims to transform lives through • YOUNG READERS National Literacy Trust literacy by supporting those who PROGRAMME: national 68 South Lambeth Road struggle with literacy and the programme to motivate London SW8 1RL people who work with them disadvantaged CYP to read for www.literacytrust.org.uk • • literacy as lever for social pleasure > involves children, mobility and social justice schools and libraries in Programme and Research • provide support through projects, inspirational literacy events which information around libraries: networks and communities across link fun and reading www.literacytrust.org.uk/libraries UK; work with schools, early years • PREMIER LEAGUE and local areas/communities in READING STARS: The National Literacy Trust provides order to ensure that literacy ACE – funded project targeting a free monthly email newsletter for support is available to all who pupils who are not reaching the professionals working in literacy need it > run projects and expected levels in literacy for their containing news and comment, promotions in schools, libraries age by reaching them through policy developments, research and football clubs, provide advice something they are interested in: and resources: and resources to teachers, football. Includes toolkits for http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/newsletter librarians, early years settings and teachers and librarians, involvement other literacy professionals of libraries and potentially literature • campaign to improve public organisations in bringing in authors understanding of the vital for the project importance and impact of literacy (http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/ > aim to raise awareness and premier_league_reading_stars) ensure the Government takes action • • Words for Life campaign: uses carefully targeted communication to encourage people from disadvantaged communities to take part in reading and literacy activities. The campaign works in partnerships with leading consumer brands in order to reach our target audience

Literature and Libraries in the South East and East www.bop.co.uk 40 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:05 Page 41

BBC Learning

• Create learning for all audiences Key programmes Contact details • Events are tied to TV / radio No key programmes as relate to Main BBC Learning website: programming > BBC Central TV / radio programming but send www.bbc.co.uk/learning/ chooses themes > offer to out regular newsletter libraries around these themes Things to do – website lists all (Strong focus on nature activities run by BBC and partners and history) throughout the UK: • Work with different parts of BBC http://www.bbc.co.uk/thingstodo > use their specialist knowledge of audiences Eleanor Gloster & Lorna Palmer • Production and Commission: Regional Project Managers events and online, create projects BBC Learning South East and content with partners 01273 320432 • Example recent Dr Who project – [email protected] writing competition for primary [email protected] school children. Use inspiration of BBC content and talent in Madeleine Forrester enjoyable and productive learning Regional Project Manager activities BBC Learning East • Looking at what’s legacy of a 01223 287106 moment of inspiration – from TV [email protected] programme, from BBC events etc. What do you carry with you from Liz Waite, BBC Learning, distributes that event / What is the long-term a newsletter with upcoming news impact and events for libraries. For more • Local Reps for Education information or to be added to the • Shift towards family & children distribution list, contact activities > collaboration between [email protected] BBC Learning and BBC children • Pick up on key programmes like 6-Book Challenge, World Book Night / Day > promotion • Feel libraries are ‘natural partners’ for them and value venue space (accessibility / space / computers)

Literature and Libraries in the South East and East www.bop.co.uk 41 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:05 Page 42

9.3 Relevant regional literature organisations and publishers

Name Core activities and relevant programmes Contact details South East Apples and • leading organisation for performance poetry in England Programme Co-ordinator in the Snakes • reputation for producing exciting and innovative South East: Pete Hunter, based at participation and performance work in spoken word. The Nuffield Theatre in Southampton • partnership projects with venues, literature organisations [email protected] and artists taking place across the country www.applesandsnakes.org

Bookfeast • passionate about encouraging everyone to enjoy reading, based in Oxfordshire writing and talking about books [email protected] Angie Prysor-Jones T: 01865 514149 www.bookfeast.net

Collected Works • a Reader Development organisation based in Brighton • runs City Reads, an annual citywide reading initiative [email protected] conceived to spread a love of books and ideas to the www.cityreads.co.uk widest possible audience throughout Brighton & Hove

Company • aim to enable disadvantaged people to break down Creative director Jon Potter Paradiso barriers to creativity and education [email protected] • "We enable people to tell their stories" www.companyparadiso.co.uk

Creative Future • registered charity that gives those excluded by society the Community Base, 113 Queens Road, chance to reintegrate through their own talents by Brighton, BN1 3XG providing training and support for artists and writers, Office: 01273 234780 whether beginner or advanced. Dominique De-Light: 07866 677950 • offer exhibiting and publishing opportunities Simon Powell: 07795691579 • raise the profile of individual artists/writers and the www.creativefuture.org.uk organisations they access • challenging public stereotypes of marginalised people Hammer and • largest promoter of slam poetry in the UK The Old Music Hall, Oxford, OX4 1JE Tongue • promotes live literature though events, meetings and Tel: 07906 885069 Oxford, Brighton educational workshops in schools and prisons. [email protected]

Lewes Live • Organising events that bring together the spoken word, PO Box 2766, Lewes, BN7 2WF Literature performance, creative writing workshops, music, film and T: 0 797 203 7612 visual art [email protected] www.leweslivelit.co.uk

Modern Poetry • international magazine for the translation of poetry The Queens College in Translation into English Oxford, OX1 4AW Deborah de Kock [email protected] www.mptmagazine.com

Literature and Libraries in the South East and East www.bop.co.uk 42 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:05 Page 43

Name Core activities and relevant programmes Contact details Myriad Editions • Independent publisher of high quality fiction, graphic based in Brighton fiction atlases and other titles T: 01273 720 000 [email protected] www.myriadeditions.com

New Writing • New Writing South is the creative writing hub in South 9 Jew Street, Brighton, BN1 1UT South East England, dedicated to inspiring, nurturing and T: 01273 735353 connecting all kinds of writers across the region and [email protected] beyond. It has three strands: www.newwritingsouth.com • The support of emerging and early career writers with workshops, feedback, mentoring, networking, bursaries Writer Hubs in Hampshire, Margate, and development and innovative and creative work with Portsmouth and Rye established, professional writers. • A full Creative Learning programme that places writers with young people in schools, libraries and elsewhere, encouraging their creativity and expanding their writing skills. • An eclectic programme of live literature events for audiences

Outside in: • dedicated to promoting and exploring world literature [email protected] Inside out and children’s books in translation www.outsideinworld.org.uk

Reading Quest • early literacy charity which transforms the lives of The Old Music Hall youngsters struggling with reading and writing 106-108 Cowley Road Oxford OX4 1JE T: 0186503207 [email protected] www.readingquest.org.uk

Roald Dahl • award winning, family-friendly museum and literature 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden Museum and centre situated in the village where Roald Dahl lived Buckinghamshire HP16 0AL Story Centre and wrote General and school enquiries: [email protected]

The Story • The Story Museum exists to celebrate children's stories Rochester House, 42 Pembroke Street Museum and to share 1001 enjoyable ways for young people to Oxford, OX1 1BP learn through stories as they grow. [email protected] • take story performances, exhibitions, activities and ideas www.storymuseum.org.uk to schools and communities. • plans for a new centre of children’s literature and storytelling in the heart of Oxford

Tongues and • enables people from all walks of life to express Based in Southsea Grooves themselves through writing and performance T: 077 75 244 573 [email protected] www.tongues-and-grooves.org.uk

Literature and Libraries in the South East and East www.bop.co.uk 43 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:05 Page 44

Name Core activities and relevant programmes Contact details Tower Poetry • exists to encourage and challenge everyone who reads or Christ Church, Oxford, OX1 1DP writes poetry T: 01865 286 591 [email protected] www.towerpoetry.org.uk

Two Rivers Press • has been publishing in and about Reading since 1994 Based in Reading • varied list of individually designed, thought-provoking T: 0118 987 1452 books www.tworiverspress.com

Workers of Art • a community interest company that aims, through its Based in Sandwich work, to engage others with and through the arts T: 07540 998 872 [email protected] www.workers-of-art.co.uk

QueenSpark • established in 1972 and now the most longstanding and QueenSpark Books Books prolific community publisher in the UK 10-11 Pavilion Parade • publishes books, website and photographs about the Brighton BN2 1RA people and history of Brighton & Hove T: 01273 571710 www.queensparkbooks.org.uk

Waterloo Press • publishes inventive and stimulating poetry from the UK 95 Wick Hall, Furze Hill and abroad Hove, BN3 1NG [email protected] www.waterloopress.co.uk

Literature and Libraries in the South East and East www.bop.co.uk 44 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:05 Page 45

Name Core activities and relevant programmes Contact details East Apples and • leading organisation for performance poetry in England Programme Co-ordinators in the East: Snakes • reputation for producing exciting and innovative Hannah Jane Walker, based at participation and performance work in spoken word Writers Centre Norwich • partnership projects with venues, literature organisations [email protected] and artists taking place across the country www.applesandsnakes.org

British Centre • Britain’s leading centre for the development, promotion Based at University of East Anglia for Literary and support of literary translation Director: Dr Valerie Henitiuk Translation • has a number of partners including the Translators T: 01603 592785 Association and English PEN, as well as being part of the [email protected] RECIT international network of translators www.bclt.org.uk • uses public events to raise interest in and awareness of literary translation, and provides ongoing professional development and academic debate to literary translators, whatever their level

Bertram Publisher • provides distribution for publishers and the book industry, T: 0871 803 6666 Services as well as supplying books and audiovisual materials to library services and educational institutions

Black Dog Books • independent publisher covering regional literature Peter Tolhurst Black Dog Books, 104 Trinity Street, Norwich, NR2 2BJ [email protected]

Cafe Writers • monthly meetings to promote the work of new and Chairman: Martin Figura established writers across Norfolk and further afield, [email protected] covering poetry, prose and drama www.cafewriters.awardspace.com • provide competitions, classes and courses

Cambridge • management, editorial and production team who Burr Elm Court, Main Street Publishing undertake project management of publications Caldecote, Cambridgeshire Management CB23 7NU T: 01954 214 000 www.cambridgepm.co.uk

Cambridge • working since 1534, the publishing house for the UPH, Shaftesbury Road University Press University of Cambridge Cambridge CB2 8BS [email protected] T: 01223 358 331 www.cambridge.org

Literature and Libraries in the South East and East www.bop.co.uk 45 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:05 Page 46

Name Core activities and relevant programmes Contact details Cambridge • created around 60 years ago, the organisation is Kathy English Writers comprised of published and unpublished writers in and [email protected] around Cambridge www.cambridgewriters.net • offers advice, feedback and discussion, including on possible publishers, as well as a monthly newsletter • holds 5 monthly meeting groups where members’ work is distributed and discussed

Cant Books • independent publisher established in 2009 Publisher/Editor: Daniel Pounds • aims to publish new fiction which may be overlooked by Cant Books, 54 Old Palace Road larger publishers Norwich NR2 4JQ T: 01603 473756 [email protected]

Circuit • produces monthly magazine, along with several other 3 Hales Yard, Diss, IP22 4AF Publications local publications www.yourlocalmagazine.net

East Anglian • affilated with the Society of Authors Acting Chair: Alison Pressley Writers • has a membership of over 200 professional writers from [email protected] across the East www.eastanglianwriters.org.uk • holds social and professional events to bring writers together, as well as two annual parties and a one-day tour

• Norwich-based, award-winning publisher of magazines, East Publishing books and other materials East Publishing Ltd 9 Rigby’s Court, Norwich NR2 1NT [email protected] www.eastpublishing.com • poetry publisher based in Norwich Egg Box Nathan Hamilton www.eggboxpublishing.com • publish primarily non-fiction, factual and historical books, Erskine Press as well as academic reprints Crispin de Boos • acts as a small private publisher for those who want to Erskine Press, The White House self-publish Sandfield Lane, Eccles, NR16 2PB T: 01953 887277 www.erskine-press.com • founded in 2009 Full Circle • publishes hardback re-prints of classics, as well as new Parlham House Barn, Brick Lane Editions illustrated fiction, non-fiction and poetry by writers from Framlingham, Suffolk IP13 9LQ across the region [email protected]

• supports writing from new writers, primarily through Gatehouse Press poetry and short stories based in Suffolk • aims to expand its publishing into local history and www.gatehousepress.com children’s literature

Literature and Libraries in the South East and East www.bop.co.uk 46 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:05 Page 47

Name Core activities and relevant programmes Contact details Hammer and • largest promoter of slam poetry in the UK The Old Music Hall, Oxford OX4 1JE Tongue • promotes live literature though events, meetings and T: 07906 885069 Cambridge educational workshops in schools and prisons [email protected]

Holland • one of UK’s leading independent children’s 18 Bourne Court, Southend Road Publishing PLC book publishers Woodford Green, Essex IG8 8HD www.hollandpublishing.co.uk

John Clare • Heritage Trust for the 17th century English poet John Chief Executive: Sara Blair-Manning Cottage Trust Clare Clare Cottage, Woodgate, Helpston • Host a a year-long education programme, as well as Peterborough, Cambs PE6 7ED public events, volunteering and placement opportunities T: 01733 253330 at John Clare Cottage, the poet’s birthplace [email protected] www.clarecottage.org

Latitude Poetry • monthly poetry club in Norwich, hosted by Luke Wright, Host: Luke Wright Club the host and co-curator of the Latitude Poetry Arena at www.lukewright.co.uk the annual Latitude Festival in Suffolk

The Lutterworth • one of the oldest independent publishing houses in The Lutterworth Press Press Britain, running for the last 200 years PO Box 60, Cambridge CB1 2NT T: 01223 350 865

METAL Southend • provides residencies for both UK and international artists Metal at Chalkwell Hall • interested in the social and political impact of both the Chalkwell Avenue, artists’ working processes and the work itself Southend on Sea SS08NB • provides a programme of events, exhibitions, publication Tel: 01702 470700 and discussion [email protected] www.metalculture.com

Mousehold Press • independent publisher since 1994 Mousehold Press, Victoria Cottage • primary focus on books about Norfolk Constitution Opening Norwich NR3 4BD Tel: 01603 425115 [email protected]

Nasty Little Press • publishes work by live poets [email protected] www.nastylittlepress.org

Norfolk Children’s • provides a number of different services for teachers Marilyn Brocklehurst Book Centre and parents to help them provide reading materials Norfolk Children’s Book Centre for children Alby, Norwich NR11 7HB [email protected] www.ncbc.co.uk

Norfolk Writers • a members-only group that provides feedback on work, www.meetup.com/writers-29/ Meetup Group and knowledge about publishing within a relaxed setting

Literature and Libraries in the South East and East www.bop.co.uk 47 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:05 Page 48

Name Core activities and relevant programmes Contact details Norwich Living • not-for-profit group that aims to record, publish and www.reminiscence4life.co.uk History Group promote oral histories of Norwich [email protected]

Norwich Poetry • a monthly poetry event in Norwich, run by poets www.norwichpoetryclub.tumblr.com Club Martin Figura, Luke Wright, Hannah Jane Walker and John Osborne

Norwich Writers • exists since 1943 Chair: Adrian Dearnley Circle • holds a yearly programme of events with established [email protected] writers visiting bi-monthly meetings in the city www.norwichwriters.org.uk • runs competitions and workshops, including the annual Open Poetry Competition • holds regular manuscript evenings where writers can read and receive feedback on their work

North Norfolk • book group for individuals of any age who enjoy Gwynneth Bailey Childrens’ Book children’s books Tel: 01603 871628 Group • members predominantly in Norfolk but also across [email protected] the country www.nncbg.co.uk • organises bi-termly talks with children’s authors in the Aylsham area

Paragraph • specialises in producing high quality specialist magazines Paragraph Publishing Ltd Publishing St Faiths House, Mountergate Norwich NR1 1PY T: 01603 633 808

The Poetry Trust • one of the UK’s leading poetry organisations The Poetry Trust, 9 New Cut • provides an on-going live and digital programme Halesworth, Suffolk IP19 8BY (including monthly podcasts and the annual Aldeburgh T: 01986 835950 Poetry Festival), education opportunities, courses, prizes [email protected] and publications www.thepoetrytrust.org

Poetry Wivenhoe • a monthly meeting to which national poets are invited to Chair: Chris Tanner read their work, alongside local poets, as part of open [email protected] mic events poetrywivenhoe.org • runs several local poetry competitions, and have released a collection through a local publisher and bookshop. • a partner of Essex Poetry Festival

The Rialto • UK’s leading independent poetry magazine, published Art Director: Nick Stone three times a year The Rialto, PO Box 309 • also home of the award-winning Rialto poetry publisher Aylsham NR11 6LN www.therialto.co.uk

Literature and Libraries in the South East and East www.bop.co.uk 48 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:05 Page 49

Name Core activities and relevant programmes Contact details Salt Publishing • publishes around 80 books a year Director: Chris Hamilton-Emery • specialises in poetry and biography, among others Salt Publishing, 12 Norwich Road Cromer, Norfolk NR27 0AX Tel: 01263 511 011

Science Art • an education project at several schools in Norfolk, where www.uea.ac.uk/hum/creativity/ Writing (SAW) science was used as inspiration for art and poetry newsarchive/Science, at UEA • Anne Osbourn, a plant biologist who led the project, has +Art+and+Writing since set up SAW Press to launch a collection of the students’ poetry

Southend Poetry • monthly members’ meeting, discussing poets and different [email protected] Group topics, as well as holding workshops for members to read www.southendpoetry.co.uk their work • a partner of Essex Poetry Festival

Sundown Arts • nine year old arts event held in Southend-on-Sea Creative Producer: Jo Overfield • now curates events around the country (to be contacted through the • showcases a number of performing arts, including Sundown website) spoken word www.sundownarts.org

University of • has over 14,000 students University of East Anglia East Anglia • ranked in top 1% of universities world wide Norwich Research Park • home to the internationally renowned British Centre for Norwich NR4 7TJ Literary Translation, and the MA in Creative Writing T: 01603 456161 www.uea.ac.uk

Unthank Books • publisher Based in Norwich • home of the Unthank School of Creative Writing, offering www.unthankschool.com evening courses in prose fiction, poetry and screenwriting for new and experienced writers

Writers’ Centre • literature development agency based in Norwich Chief Executive Chris Gribble Norwich • works on one-off and on-going projects and events in Writers’ Centre Norwich schools, with aspiring and established writers, with the 14 Princes Street, Norwich NR3 1AE public and in partnership with other organisations T: 1603 877177 • interested in the social and creative impact of creative M: 07800 662879 writing, as well as human rights issues and freedom of chris.gribble@ expression within writing writerscentrenorwich.org.uk • works locally, nationally and internationally www.writerscentrenorwich.org.uk

Literature and Libraries in the South East and East www.bop.co.uk 49 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:05 Page 50

9.4 Bridge Organisations

Name Core activities and relevant programmes Contact details South East Artswork • national youth arts development agency Artswork Ltd, Unit 26 • committed to transforming the lives of children and Bargate Shopping Centre young people through arts and cultural practice. East Bargate • work through strategic alliances with the arts, cultural, Southampton, SO14 1HF education, youth and community sectors and aim to act Tel: 02380 332491 as national champion to increase opportunities for Email: [email protected] children and young people to lead, participate, work in, www.artswork.org.uk/south-east- experience and enjoy the arts bridge • as Bridge Organisation covers the whole of the South East

East Norfolk and • flagship arts organisation for the East of England with Augustine Steward House Norwich Festival a reputation for innovative, inspirational programming 14 Tombland and commissioning Norwich, NR3 1HF • stages Norfolk and Norwich Festival each May T: 01603 877750 • collaborates throughout the year with local, national and [email protected] international partners to produce work for a huge and www.nnfestival.org.uk diverse range of audiences, participants and communities • as Bridge Organisation cover Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

Royal Opera • works with schools, colleges and communities through a High House Production Park House Thurrock programme of locally based projects Vellacott Close, Purfleet • as Bridge Organisation cover Essex, Southend, Thurrock, Essex, RM19 1RJ Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, T: 01708 891200 Luton and Thames Gateway [email protected] www.roh.org.uk

Literature and Libraries in the South East and East www.bop.co.uk 50 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:06 Page 51

9.5 Relevant regional literature and art festivals (with literature arm)

Name Core activities and relevant programmes Contact details South East Brighton City • annual citywide reading initiative conceived to spread a Director: Sarah Hutchings Reads love of books and ideas to the widest possible audience [email protected] throughout Brighton & Hove. www.cityreads.co.uk • one book is selected for the whole community to read, discuss, debate and creatively engage with in a series of special events, workshops and performances • run by Collected Work, a Reader Development agency based in Brighton

Brighton Festival • the largest arts festival in England [email protected] • long tradition for attracting the most exciting performers www.brightonfestival.org from across the globe, as well as promoting local artists • the Books and debate programme draws on the main themes of each Festival

Bookfeast • runs events and workshops with popular authors, [email protected] Schools’ Festival illustrators and poets, suitable for children in primary www.bookfeast.net school year groups 1-6

Canterbury • Kent’s international arts festival [email protected] Festival • attracts an audience of over 70,000 people of all ages to T: 01227 452853 200 free and ticketed events www.canterburyfestival.co.uk

Charleston • now in its 22nd year, takes place over a 10 day period at [email protected] Festival the end of May www.charleston.org.uk • the festival takes place in a traditional marquee in the beautiful grounds of the farmhouse garden of Charleston, the home and meeting place for the writers, painters and intellectuals known as the Bloomsbury group • attracts an array of writers, performers, politicians and thinkers, both high profile and up and coming, national and international

Chichester • now in it’s 38th year, takes place over three weeks at [email protected] Festivities various venues around Chichester T: 01243 785718 • offers a mix of music, literature, outdoor concerts, jazz, www.chifest.org.uk/ theatre, opera, film, comedy, talks, community arts and street theatre

Chichester • offers the opportunity for published and unpublished [email protected] Writing Festival authors to come together, debate and find out about all www.westdean.org.uk aspects of the art, craft and business of writing

Literature and Libraries in the South East and East www.bop.co.uk 51 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:06 Page 52

Name Core activities and relevant programmes Contact details Folkestone • readings with authors, workshops, talks and seminars [email protected] Book Festival • programme includes events such as film screenings, Box Office: 01303 858 500 theatre performances, live music, quiz nights, walks, www.folkestonebookfest.com workshops and comedy nights

Guildford • established in 1989, now a key cultural event in the area Director: Glenis Pycraft Book Festival • staged annually across venues within the town over ten [email protected] days in October and attracts high profile authors and Manisha Thacker discerning audiences [email protected] www.guildfordbookfestival.co.uk

Havant Literary • aims to celebrate the written and spoken word in the [email protected] Festival Borough of Havant and establish Havant as a centre of www.havantlitfest.org.uk literary excellence by attracting high quality speakers, nurturing and showcasing local writing talent and providing new opportunities for local people to experience literature in direct, accessible and dynamic ways

Sunday Times • presents a series of major addresses by well-known Festival director: Sally Dunsmore Oxford Literary authors and public figures [email protected] Festival • aim to promote stimulating debate around the big issues Tel: 01865 286074 of the day www.oxfordliteraryfestival.org • popular ‘Conversations with Poets’ event • full programme of events for children

Oxfringe • began in 2007 with two small literary events, one in [email protected] conjunction with Blackwell’s bookshop’s ‘On the www.oxfringe.com Fringe’ programme • annual series of literary, theatrical comic, artistic and musical events

Portsmouth • aims to promote both book buying and book borrowing Portsmouth Literature Development BookFest especially amongst groups who may not have previously Officer: Dominic Kippen considered participating in book related events. [email protected] • runs events such as meet the author, editors, Learning and Engagement Manager: Bookswap etc David Percival, • Recently won Library Development Initiative funding [email protected] which aims to extend reach and activities of Bookfest www.portsmouthbookfest.co.uk

Portsmouth • eleven day annual arts festival presenting a diverse Tel: 023 9282 4355 Festivities programme of around 70 events celebrating www.portsmouthfestivities.co.uk Portsmouth’s history and heritage • aim of providing opportunities for the community – with a focus on young people – to engage with the arts • programme includes concerts, talks, drama, dance, outdoor events, education projects, exhibitions and a platform for local performers

Literature and Libraries in the South East and East www.bop.co.uk 52 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:06 Page 53

Name Core activities and relevant programmes Contact details South East Aldeburgh Poetry • run by The Poetry Trust Director of The Poetry Trust: Festival • UK's pre-eminent annual celebration of national and Naomi Jaffa [email protected] international contemporary poetry [email protected] • events include workshops, discussions, readings T: 01986 835950 and exhibitions www.thepoetrytrust.org

Bedfordshire • a joint collaboration between Bedford Borough Libraries Adult Services Manager, Bedford Book Festival and Central Bedfordshire Libraries Borough Council: Anthea Slark • programme of free events across 17 libraries [email protected] • includes author visits, writing workshops, storytelling, www.bedford.gov.uk/council children’s activities, and a ‘Readers Day’ for Bedfordshire reading group members, and other interested individuals

Bedford Book • a new festival for anything and everything to do with [email protected] Festival books, literature, publishing, reading, comics etc. www.bedfordbookfestival.co.uk/

Cambridge • conceived and launched in 2003; held twice each year, in Director: Cathy Moore Wordfest spring and winter [email protected] • aim to bring the best new and established writers www.cambridgewordfest.co.uk to Cambridge

• library-lead until 2011, now transformed into trust Director: Belinda Farrell Essex Book • brings mix of bestselling authors and exciting talent [email protected] Festival • offers book related crafts and writers’ workshops [email protected] • for younger audiences teamed up with the Just Imagine www.essexbookfestival.org.uk Story Centre (2012)

King’s Lynn • held during weekend in March (Fiction) and September Anthony Ellis Literature Festival (Poetry) each year [email protected] • aims to present some of the best contemporary writers 01553 691661 (office hours) in a congenial and informal setting 01553 761919 (other times) • also offers educational activities www.lynnlitfests.com

Linton Children’s • community event involving every school, playgroup and [email protected] Book Festival tots group in the village as well as local community groups www.lintonbookfest.org

• run by Menagerie Theatre Company Hotbed Festival • includes debates, staging new writing, storytelling, [email protected] workshops, readings, events for young people Tel (Paul Bourne): 07876 680145 www.menagerietheatre.co.uk

Norfolk and • aims to use the transformational nature of the arts, [email protected] Norwich Festival culture and creativity “to bring about positive change www.nnfestival.org.uk for individuals, communities and the spaces in which they live” • ACE Bridge Organisation (see above)

Literature and Libraries in the South East and East www.bop.co.uk 53 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:06 Page 54

Name Core activities and relevant programmes Contact details Shorelines – • celebrates writing that has 'sea' as central theme Collette Bailey Literature • includes author readings, screenings, competitions [email protected] Festival [email protected] of the Sea Tel: 01702 470 700 www.metalculture.com

Southend • annual event bringing authors and events to the area libraryservicedevelopment@ Libraries Book southend.gov.uk Festival www.idea13.org

Spring Literary • run by University of East Anglia, Centre for Creative and to join the mailing list, please contact: Festival Performing Arts [email protected] • range of meet the author events www.uea.ac.uk/lit/eventsnews/ events/litfest

Ways with • run by Ways with Words Tel: 01803 867373 Words • run each November www.wayswithwords.co.uk Literature • focus on ‘books and ideas’ Festival

Worlds • run by Writers’ Centre Norwich [email protected] Literature • takes place in Norwich every year towards the Tel: 01603 877177 Festival end of June www.writerscentrenorwich.org.uk/ • brings together writers from around the world in a week worldsliteraturefestival.aspx of events, readings and discussion

Literature and Libraries in the South East and East www.bop.co.uk 54 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:06 Page 55

Writers’ Centre Norwich New Writing South 14 Princes Street 9 Jew Street Norwich Brighton NR3 1AE BN1 1UT

E [email protected] E [email protected] T 01603 877177 T 01273 735353 L&LSE&E_Toolkit_final#AW:Layout 1 06/08/2012 09:06 Page 56