Partnerships with the local community

From the outset, the Library has built and maintained partnerships with individuals and groups within the local community. Shard End History Society has based itself in the library for many years, with a varied lecture programme being hosted by both the original and the new library. The library has worked closely with the local community centre, publicising services, facilities and group activities, including those of Shard End Camera Club. The community librarian has also collaborated with colleagues serving the local community. An early example is provided by ‘Shard End Fraternal’, which facilitated regular gatherings of doctors, teachers, welfare workers and others to address shared concerns. This practice continues through library participation in the Shard End & Tile Cross Communities Board.

Shard End Library continues the tradition established by the travelling librarian through serving residents in varied ways. Book loans and community information services remain important and are now augmented by ready access for residents to the World Wide Web and digital Council services – internet library accounts maintain the innovative pattern set by 1967s cutting edge plastic tickets!