Earl Shilton Library Project
This project began with a simple idea: to bring together two groups who regularly use the library but rarely interact, older adults and young people. With the support of our dedicated Library Working Group, we co‑created a project that would foster connection, creativity, and community pride through the medium of collaborative art.
At the heart of the project was the creation of embellished fabric squares. Each participant designed a square that reflected what their community meant to them, these included elements of Earl Shilton, the library, and aspects of their own identity. Under the guidance of our brilliant Creative Practitioner, Rachel Scanlon, the group hand‑stitched and decorated each piece, while Rachel facilitated conversations that helped bridge generational divides. The completed squares were then stitched together, by Rachel, to form a beautiful hanging wall piece and a vibrant ‘Wriggly Readers’ rug.
The project surpassed all expectations. Across only five sessions, participants built meaningful relationships, exchanged stories and skills, and supported one another with genuine care and enthusiasm. Every individual invested deeply in the creative process, many even continued working on their designs at home, involving family members and extending the project’s impact beyond the library walls.
Our celebration event marked a joyful conclusion to the initial phase. Participants came together with friends and family to reveal their collaborative work and share reflections. A strong consensus emerged: the group did not want the project to end. Many spoke about how the sessions had brought joy, reduced feelings of loneliness, and introduced a renewed sense of purpose and fulfilment.
In response to this enthusiasm, the group now meets monthly at the library. Core members continue to attend, and the intergenerational nature of the project remains central, with each age group sharing stories, techniques, and perspectives. We are delighted to witness how this initiative continues to strengthen community bonds, create a welcoming social space, and celebrate collective creativity within the library.
Both pieces generate a lot of interest from library visitors, they serve as tactile, visual celebrations of community voices and shared creativity. People are keen to get involved and the group remains open to new members. Anyone interested in joining this warm and inspiring community project is encouraged to enquire at the library for further information.
