The Reading Agency: Empowering Communities Through Reading during the Pandemic
The Reading Agency, in collaboration with libraries, has been supporting communities throughout the pandemic by promoting reading initiatives and providing essential services to those with no fixed abode. Their programs have reached millions, emphasizing the power of reading in overcoming challenges and fostering community connections. Key challenges include engagement, access, and support for individuals with complex needs.
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The Reading Agency: Supporting libraries and their users through the pandemic Hayley Butler Head of MarComms Dr Carina Spaulding Research & Evaluation Manager
About The Reading Agency Our mission is to tackle life s big challenges through the proven power of reading Our programmes: are UK wide reach 1.9 million people are for all ages and all types of readers are co-created with our beneficiaries deliver robust evidence of impact
Programme Partners: Libraries We have a special partnership with public libraries: Shared belief in the power and impact of reading Shared ambitions for local communities Shared commitments towards everyone s right to access and representation Libraries are seen as trusted, safe, non-stigmatising community spaces
How we have supported communities during the pandemic Read Talk Share with funding from DCMS we rolled out Reading Friends and Reading Well nationally over 140k engagements and 311,783 books gifted in 2021 We have reached over 1 million through our children s and young people s programmes in 20/21, including through the Summer Reading Challenge 4
Of No Fixed Abode: Building the Public Library Offer Context of research Call for information and evidence Workshop: Of No Fixed Abode: Building the Public Library Offer Wider evidence base Scale of homelessness Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic Mental health and loneliness
The current public library offer: people living with no fixed abode Enabling engagement with reading Free memberships IT, computer and internet usage Physical access and provision of toiletries, sanitary products and clothing Support with social and cultural engagement Signposting to essential services
Key challenges Engagement Access Support with Complex Needs Dismantling Prejudices
How can the sector support people living with no fixed abode? Universal access Skills development Mental health and wellbeing support Cultural and social engagement Engaging people with lived experience in the development of library programmes and services
Next steps Follow-up workshop in January 2022 with libraries and people with lived experience Danny Lavelle will be joining the event to speak about the ways libraries and reading offered sanctuary during a period of living in emergency accommodation Identify priority areas for development and create action plan Continued partnership with Big Issue Practical approaches for library signposting to vendor opportunities Working with local partners to deliver evidence-based wellbeing and social connectivity benefits for individuals and targeted communities
www.readingagency.org.uk www.readingagency.org.uk Contact: Contact: Hayley.butler@readingagency.org.uk Hayley.butler@readingagency.org.uk or carina.spaulding@readingagency.org.uk carina.spaulding@readingagency.org.uk or 10
