Youth Engagement Network case studies
We are working with libraries across the country to build a Youth Engagement Network, to ensure children and young people’s voices are heard.
Funded by Arts Council England, the Youth Engagement Network programme pilot took place from January to August 2024. The aim of the programme is to connect library services with local young people from marginalised groups, who do not currently engage with their library, to shape activities that will encourage younger generations to access libraries.
The Youth Engagement Network programme has four core aims:
- Ensure children and young people have power and influence
in libraries - Provide opportunities for them to co-create activities and
shape the services on offer - Encourage them to learn something new, gain skills and find
out about working in a library (with library staff learning new
skills in co-creation and youth engagement) - Support libraries across the country, building positive
relationships between libraries and young people through the
national network
Seven library services across England took part in the pilot to test co-creation approaches with young people aged 11-13 years old, including those who are neurodivergent:
- Cornwall Libraries
- Kirklees Library and Information Service
- Libraries Unlimited (Barnstaple Library, Devon)
- Luton Libraries
- Newham Libraries
- Norfolk Library and Information Service
- Slough Libraries
You can read more and download the evaluation report here.