Loughborough Library Local Studies Volunteers Partner with Loughborough University

The Loughborough Library Local Studies Volunteers have made significant progress in benefiting their community. In partnership with Loughborough University, they have applied their expertise in research to support two insightful projects highlighting Loughborough’s history. 

Below, Dr Cristina A. G. Kiminami from Loughborough University’s Loughborough Stories team has described this partnership, emphasizing the generous contributions the volunteers brought to the project. Congratulations LLLSVs on further proving your value to both your community and heritage preservation!  

Heritage Mapping: A Collaborative Effort

On April 10, 2025, the much-anticipated TOWN Observatory officially launched, marking a significant milestone after two years of collaborative development between the Schools of Design and Creative Arts (SDCA) and Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering (SABCE) at Loughborough University. This initiative is part of a broader vision linked to The Impact Hub—a three-year project running from 2023 to 2026, aiming to establish a comprehensive observatory for Loughborough to monitor changes and bolster the town’s future resilience. 

Supporting Loughborough’s Growth in partnership with Charnwood Borough Council and various external consultants, the TOWN Observatory aligns with the Healthy and Innovative Loughborough initiative. This project, led by Loughborough University and supported by the Loughborough Town Deal, focuses on job creation, fostering new businesses, and improving the health of local residents. 

One of the projects under the TOWN Observatory umbrella is Heritage Mapping. This endeavour is made possible through the enthusiastic participation of the Loughborough Library Local Studies Volunteer Group (LLLSVG) and the Impact Hub team. Known for their dedication to local history, the LLLSVG group actively promotes heritage activities in the town and hosts exhibitions at the Loughborough Library. The initial contact happened at the Heritage Forum in 2024 by Dr Aline Moreira Fernandes Barata, and started on January 2025. The LLLSVG team involved consists of 7 members, and their contribution to the TOWN Observatory is particularly noteworthy, as they engage with two platforms: Loughborough Stories and Colouring Loughborough. The process of this collaborative project consists of frequent in-person meetings that result in a rich exchange and collective insights. The Impact Hub researchers Mihyun Kim and Dr Cristina A G Kiminami has been working closely with the volunteers in those meetings and each one of them assists and collaborates with the volunteers in one of the platforms. The process also counts with a bigger and monthly meeting with the whole Impact Hub team.

On the Colouring Loughborough platform (Colouring Britain, search ‘Loughborough’), the LLLSVG team has contributed rich insights by providing a wealth of information about the town. They have visualised heritage-related historical building information across categories, such as Age & History, and Planning & Conservation, covering Loughborough’s eight conservation areas. The initial phase is due for completion by December 2025. This collaborative effort helps a more interactive exploration of the town’s history and culture. 

Meanwhile, the Loughborough Stories platform showcases the extensive heritage expertise of the LLLSVG. Their team has shared invaluable insights and lived experiences, culminating in the creation of three distinctive Story Maps: Medieval Loughborough, Art Deco Trail, and Market Place. Each map will offer a unique glimpse into the town’s rich past, encouraging both locals and visitors alike to explore and appreciate Loughborough’s historical narrative. The Medieval Loughborough has been completed, and the other two Story Maps will be completed by December 2025.

The TOWN Observatory continues to develop, and it promises to play a crucial role in fostering a resilient, healthy, and innovative future for Loughborough. The collaborative efforts with the Loughborough Library Local Studies Volunteer Group exemplify how community involvement can enhance our understanding and appreciation of local heritage. Be sure to check out these engaging platforms and immerse yourself in the stories and history that make Loughborough such a vibrant place to explore!

The teams involved in the Heritage Mapping:

From LLLSVG: 
Sharon Gray – Team Organiser – Researcher 
Kathy Phillips – Deputy Team Organiser – Researcher 
Yvonne Casswell – Researcher 
Lynne Dyer – Researcher 
Christine Harris – Researcher 
David Kirkby – Researcher 
Sue Selfe – Researcher

From Loughborough University

Loughborough Stories Team 
Dr Robert Harland​ (Principal Investigator) 
Dr Aline Fernandes Barata​ (Research Associate) 
Dr Cristina A. G. Kiminami​ (Research Associate)

Colouring Loughborough Team 
Dr Taimaz Larimian (Principal Investigator) 
Mihyun Kim​ (Research Officer) 

Thanks again to the Loughborough Library Local Studies Volunteers! To see more of what the group have been up to, check out their website or look at our volunteering pages!