Teenagers get HeadSpace at their local
library
17 April 2009
by April 17th 2009
The days when libraries were places where young people were
shushed up and shooed out are over.
Knowsley Council is launching new spaces in its libraries where
young people can relax, read a book, talk to their friends, or take
part in an activity.
Local teenagers have been involved in the design of the
so-called HeadSpace areas and young volunteers are being recruited
to help run them.
Twelve year old Sarah Graham, is a member of a young people’s
group that has played a central part in the development of
HeadSpace.
She said: “I think it is a great idea that we have a HeadSpace
of our own. You can escape all your troubles there and meet up with
your friends, do homework and read.”
Thirteen year old Harry Biddlecombe, who has also been involved,
said : “There are not many places locally for people of my age to
go when they’re out with their friends – you can end up just
walking the streets or hanging around in parks.
“So it is really good that we have now got a HeadSpace that will
get people of my age off the streets – it’s somewhere of our own
that people will want to use. It’s been really helpful that our
HeadSpace has not had an adult approach, but that we’ve been able
to develop it.”
Knowsley’s first HeadSpace has been launched at Halewood library
with books, craft activities and pampering sessions for young
people.
Local band Klick performed at the launch. The lyrics of one of
their songs had been written by local teenagers as part of a lyric
writing competition.
“We want to create a completely different kind of library
provision developed and run in partnership with young people,” said
Cllr Graham Wright, Knowsley’s cabinet member for Children’s
Services.
“HeadSpace will be a hub where young people will feel engaged
and welcomed and where they can relax and enjoy cutting-edge
reading experiences.”
The HeadSpace project is a partnership between the Council and
The Reading Agency, an independent charity working to inspire more
people to read more. It is part of a national project funded by the
Big Lottery.
Halewood Library is looking for more young people aged 11 to 19
years who are interested in accredited volunteering opportunities
in HeadSpace.
If you would like to get involved, please contact Kate
Deegan-Spragg 0151 443 4295.