Arts Council England chief executive visits new digital learning space
Mr Henley was given a tour around the building in Oakley yesterday (Wednesday 19 April), where he was shown some of the impressive facilities on offer and met members of the community, as well as councillors and council officers.
The project was funded thanks to an award of £250,000 in March 2022 by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sports through its Libraries Improvement Fund (LIF), delivered by Arts Council England. It has also received a £48,000 grant from the Barnwood Trust Digital Inclusion Fund.
The hub will offer the latest digital technology for all ages, with free facilities, training and support to help with literacy and learning skills.
Work got under way in November last year and the facility is due to open its doors to the public in June 2023.
It will be a resource for the whole community, but with emphasis on various groups including local schools and students, early years children and isolated adults from local sheltered accommodation.
An ‘immersive reality’ room will provide a 3D, interactive digital experience where images are projected around the walls, ranging from children’s books to journeys into space, helping to engage children and other users in learning through interaction.
The facility will also offer free Wi-Fi and public access to computers.
Darren Henley said: “I am delighted to be here in Gloucestershire today, to meet the innovative team behind libraries across the county. Gloucestershire Libraries’ ambitious cultural programme spans virtual reality, performance, literature – made possible through our three-year commitment of investment – and really challenges the notion of what a modern library is and can be today.
“The innovation and capabilities I’ve seen at the brand-new immersive space are really impressive, as is their collaborative approach to working with communities in Oakley. With the lecture I’ll be giving at the University of Gloucestershire on Happiness as a Public Policy goal, Gloucestershire Libraries’ work in bringing the enjoyment of the arts to library users and the communities exemplifies the importance of creative engagement and aligns with what the lecture is all about.”
Cllr Dave Norman, Gloucestershire County Council cabinet member for libraries, said: “It was fantastic to welcome Darren Henley to the new digital learning and skills hub being created at Oakley. It shows the national recognition that Gloucestershire Libraries are now receiving for its innovative projects and we’re grateful for the support of Arts Council England.
“The hub will be a fantastic asset for the community and will reach out to many people who would otherwise not have access to digital technology.”
Local county councillor Colin Hay said: “It was a real pleasure to welcome Darren Henley to the new Oakley facility. It will provide the community with the latest digital technology to help with skills and learning and I’m really looking forward to seeing it open to the public soon.”