Seed funding showcase: Identifying the social value of Revoe Library

Join Chad Bentley (Libraries Connected) and Alan Woods (Blackpool Council) as they present insights from their NIHR HDRC Blackpool-funded research that shines a light on how community libraries contribute to health, wellbeing, and thriving neighbourhoods.

In this talk, Chad and Alan will:

• Explain how the team went about designing the research which used a Social Value framework to explore the importance of Revoe Library to its community
• Highlight insights from the research demonstrating how the library supports local people's physical and mental health
• Present findings from stakeholder consultation and data analysis that evidence the fantastic work already happening at Revoe Library and identify what more it, and other libraries, can offer in the future
• Demonstrate how public libraries are no longer just quiet places of reading and study; they now deliver vital health, wellbeing, and social care-related support and interventions, all embedded at the heart of the community
  

Chad and Alan will also share reflections on going through the seed-funding process and the experience of working collaboratively across sectors to deliver this research in Blackpool

Who should join?

This session will be of interest to:

• Public library and adult learning professionals, community engagement teams, and anyone interested in the evolving role of libraries
• Local authority officers, commissioners, and policymakers exploring community‑based approaches to improving health and wellbeing
• Researchers, academics, and students working in public health, social value, community development, or culture and leisure services
• Voluntary and community sector organisations curious about partnership opportunities with libraries
• Anyone passionate about understanding and championing the impact of libraries in people’s lives

Location

This session will take place in-person in Conference Room 3A & 3B in Bickerstaffe House. Visitor passes will be provided on the day to attendees from outside of Blackpool Council. If the event has sold out or if you are unable to attend in person, you can register to receive a recording of the presentation and we will send this to you via email after the session.

Please see The Big Evidence Fortnight full programme for other sessions you might be interested in.