Success for Hull Libraries Makerspace Bid

The James Reckitt Library Trust awarded Hull Libraries £45,000 towards the development of a Makerspace which has enabled them to make a successful bid to the ‘Libraries Opportunities for Everyone Innovation Fund’ for £242,783.

Hull Libraries have been trying to secure funding to create a Makerspace/Fablab for several years as part of its strategic development – this investment will allow the vision to become a reality and provide a place where anyone can explore their creativity in the arts, science and technology – whether independently or collaboratively.

Dr Richard Heseltine, Chair of the James Reckitt Library Trust welcomed the announcement of this funding award: “The James Reckitt Library Trust is delighted that the Library Service has secured this funding to realise their ambition to provide Makerspace facilities in Hull. This development fits very well with the Trust’s vision for the future of public libraries and we look forward to seeing the results.”

The Arts Council England Libraries Opportunities for Everyone Innovation Fund fund was launched in December 2016 to enable public library services to develop their vision for the future.

Sarah Maxfield, Area Director North at Arts Council England, said: “The Arts Council is the national development agency for libraries in England and we’re delighted to be investing over £1 million in libraries across the North through our Libraries Opportunities for Everyone Innovation fund. This programme has given us a fantastic opportunity to support new activities in libraries and to reach people who might not normally use their local library service.”

The Makerspace at Hull Central Library will be open to people of all ages who wish to make, think, invent, explore and exhibit. This creative hub will have state-of-the-art digital and electronic equipment, skilled staff providing support, and workshops to encourage learning.

To ensure all residents have the opportunity to engage, the project will also include mobile resources with pop-up ‘Makerspaces’ happening across the city, the first of which will be seen at the The Big Malarkey Festival in June 2018.

Councillor Terry Geraghty, Portfolio Holder for Hull Culture and Leisure, said: “We are delighted to be awarded this funding, itis fantastic news for residents and visitors alike. This significant investment will help provide first class Makerspace facilities for everyone, including new visitors and which will begin to illustrate the direction of travel and the future of our public libraries.”

Watch this (maker) space…