Being set the task of creating a new library above a semi-derelict shop, with limited resources and on one of Bury’s worst council estates, would have led most people to run a mile – but not Elizabeth Binns, Bury Libraries’ Principal Officer of Libraries and Adult Learning.
Eight years ago East Bury’s Topping Fold Estate was described as one of the worst in East Bury. Despite having a population of 650 living on the estate, it had few local shops, no library and no council presence.
Following a number of library closures in the borough, a lack of resources and the realisation that a significant number of residents felt libraries had nothing to offer them, Bury Libraries was forced to act.
The Housing Department agreed to make an estate shop premises fit for purpose as a library, while Bury Libraries would provide a small budget to pay for the shelving, stock and computers.
“To say that the estate was not a nice place to work on at the time would be an understatement,” said Elizabeth. Despite initial fears, she managed to persuade some colleagues to join her and together they introduced themselves to the estate’s residents.
“We knew it wouldn’t work if we asked people to fill in a survey, so we went knocking on doors. Even if they didn’t want to say anything they got to know us; and that was the most important thing,” explained Elizabeth.
“Those that did talk said that they mostly wanted information on what to do if anything went wrong on the estate. Many were sceptical and lacked the confidence to contact organisations or departments directly so we thought we would help provide them with the necessary information.”
Local residents were initially resistant to the offer of local Youth Service space also being used for the library, as they saw it as "their space". However, once the staff had demonstrated their desire to work with local people effectively, the space was used successfully to meet some of the residents’ requests, such as space for studying, computer training and coffee mornings. The similarly resistant Tenants and Residents Association also eventually joined forces with the library to help promote the service on the estate.
Having got the Association onside, the next step was to set up a management committee of library and housing association representatives, but mostly residents and tenants. They were also fortunate to get funding for a Development Officer, Stephanie Devine, who the estate helped appoint. “Stephanie’s role has also been crucial in the success of this project, as has the make-up of the committee,” explains Elizabeth.
Today the library has turned into a vital community hub. The facility now plays a prominent role on the estate, providing local residents with a central meeting place from which to run numerous activities and advisory sessions, and is seen as a model for establishing further community libraries in the Borough.
“Key to our success has been the trust we have built up with tenants and residents. Because of the way we set up the community library, and the successes made in involving the estate’s residents, we are now seen as the first point of call and would be missed tremendously if we left now.”
For more detailed information on Bury libraries please visit the case study section on the MLA research website.